Essential Tips for Hiking New Zealand’s Tongariro Crossing

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s most iconic things to do. The Crossing is a 19.4 kilometer (12 mile) single-day hike that traverses active volcanoes and whose scenery is famously featured in Lord of the Rings (Mount Doom, anyone?). But, while this hike is popular, it’s one that definitely needs a bit of preparation (people have died doing it). So, after recently having hiked it myself, I’m sharing ten tips for completing New Zealand’s Tongariro Crossing safely and comfortably.

1. GO IN SUMMER

If the Tongariro Crossing is famous for one thing, it’s the quickly-changing and intense weather. Because of that, you should definitely try to do the hike in summer. Imagine hiking all the way up not to even be able to see the volcanoes or the famous green and blue pools because of thick clouds or rain? Or worse, no shuttles running for the day you’ve planned? It’d definitely be disappointing, but it happens, even in the summer. So better your chances of completing the hike safely, comfortably, and with the best visibility by doing it in summer, if you can.

2. BOOK EXTRA NIGHTS

While you’re planning your trip, you are going to have no idea what the weather will be like weeks or months in advance. So, I recommend booking an extra night or two at your accommodation in Taupo or the National Park. This way, you have options in case the weather forecast isn’t great for the day you initially plan. If you’re based in Taupo for the Tongariro Crossing, there’s plenty to do there on your extra days, like walking or cycling along the Waikato River Tail, relaxing in the (free!) Spa Park hot springs, checking out Huka Falls, Craters of the Moon, or the Aratiatia Dam.

3. CHECK METSERVICE FORECASTS

MetService is a state-owned meteorological service just for New Zealand, with details like temperature, wind, and precipitation. It is a great resource for checking weather in New Zealand in general, but you’ll definitely want to check it out in the days leading up to hiking the Tongariro Crossing, to see what days the weather is best. This is the website’s forecast for Tongariro National Park.

4. SAVE MONEY ON THE SHUTTLE WITH BOOKME

Though entry into the park is free, round trip transport from Taupo to the Tongariro Crossing is NZ$70. Yikes. You can shave up to NZ$20 off that by booking a shuttle on BookMe a few days in advance. Only do this if the weather looks great the whole week!

---

Related reading: Everything I Packed for Backpacking New Zealand

---

5. PRACTICE SLEEPING EARLIER

Shuttles from Taupo depart around 5:15am, so that likely means a 4:00-something-am wake up call for you! Try getting used to sleeping and waking up early in the days before, so that you won’t be hiking the Tongariro Crossing on total sleep deprivation.

6. GET IN SHAPE

Firstly, let me say, hiking the Tongariro Crossing is totally doable for those in reasonable fitness, in my humble, non-expert opinion. That being said, it is 19.4 km (12mi), it does have some very steep parts, and you do need to complete it by the last shuttle time. So that you’re not totally out of shape for it, try some practice hikes in your previous New Zealand destinations. A great 14km (8.5mi) practice hike in Taupo is the Waikato River Trail hike all the way up to Huka Falls and back to town. And if you’re coming from further north in Rotorua, you can add one of the longer trails in the Redwood Forest.

7. PREPARE FOOD & WATER

There is nowhere before, after, or during the hike to get food or water. So eat a nice breakfast, pack a lunch and snacks, and bring enough water to last you the whole day. Since you’ll be waking early for the shuttle, consider prepping your food the night before!

8. WEAR EASY LAYERS

Everyone told me to wear layers for the hike, which was sound advice. At the beginning of the hike, I was wishing I was in shorts. But then an hour later, I was wishing I brought gloves and a beanie! I was taking on and off my layers all day long, which got annoying because it meant re-packing my backpack multiple times. So, I highly recommend layering in a way that’s convenient and easy as well!

9. BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPER

There are plenty of toilets sheds with holes in the ground along the Tongariro Crossing. They smelled so strongly from outside that I couldn’t bring myself to use them, but from what I heard, they do not have toilet paper. So be sure to bring your own! The first toilet at the drop-off point, however, does have toilet paper, as well as water to wash hands, so definitely use that before starting the hike. There is no toilet at the pick-up point.

10. WEAR SHOES WITH A GOOD GRIP

It goes without saying to wear proper shoes when hiking between two active volcanoes. But I wasn’t expecting the hike path to be large, wobbly rocks, nor was I expecting the first descent to be practically sand-boarding downhill (but with rocks for sand, and no board!). I was very happy to have my hiking boots with ankle support and proper grip on the bottom!

WHAT SAY YOU?

Well, there you have it, folks – my tips on hiking New Zealand’s Tongariro Crossing! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions on completing the Crossing. And if you’ve done the Crossing yourself, please share any tips you think I’ve missed!

Save this Post for Later on Pinterest