Tongariro Northern Circuit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tongariro Northern Circuit |
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The Emerald Lakes
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| Length | 43.1 km |
| Location | Tongariro National Park |
| Established | 1993 |
| Designation | Great Walk |
| Trailheads | Whakapapa Villiage |
| Use | Hiking |
| Hazards | Volcanic |
| Maintained by | Department of Conservation |
| Website | Tongariro Northern Circuit |
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is an amazing hiking adventure in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. It's one of the special "New Zealand Great Walks", which are famous trails known for their incredible scenery. This hike usually takes three to four days to complete.
The trail is a big loop, about 50 kilometers long, that goes all the way around Mount Ngauruhoe. This mountain is a volcano! A part of this loop is also called the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This section is very popular because it has some of the most beautiful views on the whole circuit. About 7,000 people hike the full Northern Circuit each year. Many more, around 25,000, choose to walk just the shorter Tongariro Alpine Crossing part.
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Where to Stay on the Trail
Along the Tongariro Northern Circuit, there are three huts (small cabins) where hikers can stay overnight. These huts are managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC). They are called Mangatepopo Hut, Oturere Hut, and Waihohonu Hut.
There used to be a fourth hut, Ketetahi Hut. However, it was damaged by a volcanic eruption in 2012. Now, it's only used as a day shelter, meaning you can't stay there overnight. It's important to know that you are not allowed to camp in tents within 500 meters of the hiking track.
Your Hiking Journey
The Northern Circuit is a round trip, so you can start walking in either direction. This guide describes the route if you walk clockwise, starting from Whakapapa Village. At Whakapapa Village, you'll find a car park and a DOC Visitor Center. You can get lots of helpful information there before you begin your hike. There are also other places you can start the track from, along different roads.
Day 1: Whakapapa Village to Mangatepopo Hut
Time: 3–5 hours Distance: 8.5 kilometers
Your adventure begins at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre. The path mostly follows the Whakapapa track across open plains. You will cross several small river beds. Sometimes, if it has been raining, the path can be quite muddy. As you walk, you'll see the cone shape of Mount Ngauruhoe, the volcano, on your right side. The Mangatepopo Hut is just a short 5-minute walk off the main track.
Day 2: Mangatepopo Hut to Ketetahi Hut
Time: 5–6 hours Distance: 9 kilometers
This day is the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing! The walk starts with a gentle climb up the Mangatepopo river valley. Then, it becomes a steep climb over volcanic rock. You will walk through the South Crater and then up and over the side of Red Crater. From there, you'll go down to the beautiful Emerald Lakes.
If the weather is clear, you'll have amazing views of the active volcanic landscape. The Emerald Lakes get their name from their bright green color, which comes from minerals in the hot volcanic area. After the Emerald Lakes, the path connects to the route to Oturere Hut (which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away). After passing the lakes, you'll see the Blue Lake before heading downhill to Ketetahi Hut.
Day 3: Ketetahi Hut to Waihohonu Hut
Time: 6–7 hours Distance: 16.5 kilometers
Day three starts with a moderate climb back up towards the Emerald Lakes. Then, you'll have a fairly steep downhill walk to Oturere Hut. Along the way, you might notice many cool, abstract shapes formed by old lava flows. After passing Oturere Hut, the track goes into an open area of gravel with not much plant life. The day finishes with crossing a valley and climbing up through a forest. Finally, you'll go downhill to reach Waihohonu Hut.
Day 4: Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa
Time: 5½–6 hours Distance: 14 kilometers
On your last day, the track follows an old route next to Waihohonu Stream. There isn't much climbing on this section. Along the way, you can take short side trips to see the Lower and Upper Tama Lakes. These lakes were formed in old volcanic craters that are now filled with water. The Lower Tama Lake is a 20-minute return trip, and the Upper Tama Lake is about 90 minutes return. Just before you reach Whakapapa Village, you can take a 5-minute detour from the main track to see the beautiful Taranaki Falls.
