Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Do you recognize the landscape? That’s right, the stony wasteland around the three mountains Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngauruhoe is Mordor. Mount Ngauruhoe was Mount Doom in the LOTR films. At its foot were once orc armies and, at its summit, a hobbit held the fate of Middle-earth in his hands.

The path starts in Mangatepopo Saddle. At first, it follows a stream with old lava before the ascent between two mountains starts. At the top you will be presented with a breathtaking view. On one side is “Mount Doom” with its flat volcanic plain and, on the other, bright emerald green lakes. The intense color of the water is created by minerals. Far in the back you can also see Lake Taupo. Later the descent begins, back to the foot of the mountain. Frodo would be very proud.

Services & Notes

• Start: 08:00 AM
• End: 5:00 PM
• Meeting point: Adrift base - 3 Waimarino-Toaanu Road, National Park Village. (Adrift base is located behind the gas station on State Highway 4 and 47.)
• Please remember to reconfirm the tour 24 hours in advance.

Winter:

• Taupo: 06:00 AM pickup from hotel or meeting at Whitewater Wolrd, 46 Ruapehu Street, Taupo (fee applies)
• Turangi: 06:45 AM pickup from hotel or meeting at Turangi i-SITE, Ngawaka Place, Turangi (fee applies)

Round trip transportation from National Park Village and Whakapapa Village Accommodation included (07:00 AM)

Summer:

• Taupo: Pickup from accommodation is possible, meeting point approx. 07:00 - 07:30 AM. Please let us know if you need a rain jacket, backpack, or other equipment (for a fee)
• Turangi: Pickup from hotel or meeting at Turangi i-SITE possible, meeting point is usually between 07:45 AM - 08:00 AM

Please let us know if you need a rain jacket, backpack or other equipment (for a fee).

National Park Village: Pickup from accommodation is possible, or come to the National Park Base at 3 Waimarino-Toaanu Road. Meeting point approx. 08:00 - 08:30.

Whakapapa Village: Pickup from accommodation is possible, meeting point between 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM. Please let us know if you need a rain jacket, backpack or other equipment (for a fee).

• The crossing takes place daily, except on 12/25 and 12/26.
• Number of participants: group, min. 2 participants. No maximum number of participants.
• Guide: Usually 1 guide for every 1-8 participants.
• Duration: approx. 9 hours
• Language: English
• Equipment in winter: Please bring your own: Food, water (1.5-2 liters per person), hiking boots, sunscreen, personal medication, adhesive bandages for blisters, warm socks, rainproof clothing, sunglasses, thermo leggings, and sweaters or softshell jacket etc.
• Summer equipment: Please bring your own: Food, water (1.5-2 liters per person), sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, rainproof jacket (depending on weather conditions), etc.
• Catering: Lunch included in summer