Tongariro Northern Circuit | New Zealand, 1995

One of New Zealand’s designated “Great Walks“, the Tongariro Northern Circuit takes hikers on a memorable journey through active volcanic landscapes, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and native beech forests. The walk is situated entirely within Tongariro National Park – the country’s oldest national park – and on average takes three days to complete. I hiked the complete circuit in 1995 and revisited the area again in 2010 for a day walk on the famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 

Distance :  45 km (28 mi) – not including side-trips.

Avg. Time :  3 days

Start / Finish :  Whakapapa village

Getting There & Away:

• As of April 2020, the National Park Village is serviced by bus and trains services that run on alternate days en route between Auckland and Wellington. Local shuttle services are available for transfers from there to the beginning of the trail at Whakapapa Village (15 km).

Season :

• Late October to April. Also possible outside of this window, for fit, experienced, appropriately-equipped hikers.

Maps / Info :

• Online Information: The excellent Department of Conservation (DOC) website has a downloadable brochure for the trail that includes a basic map, trekking notes, elevation profile, and accommodation suggestions.

• GPS: See AllTrails for GPX data for the Northern Circuit.

Route / Conditions :

• As with all designated Great walks, the trail is well marked and easy to follow from start to finish.

• Although navigation should not be an issue, trampers must still be appropriately equipped for all conditions, as the weather in this area is notoriously unpredictable at any time of the year.

• Weather permitting, side trips to Mt.Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro (particularly the former) are well worth the effort.

• For all you Lord of the Rings fans, Ngauruhoe doubled as Mt. Doom in Peter Jackson’s movie trilogy. Channel your inner Frodo and Sam and make the ascent!

• The scenic highlight of the circuit is the section between Mangatepopo and Ketetahi Huts, which coincides in part with NZ’s most famous, and arguably most spectacular day walk, the Tongariro Crossing.

Sleeping :

• During hiking season, both huts and camping places need to be booked in advance. See the DOC website for details.