Tongariro Northern Circuit
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The Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of the New Zealand Great Walks, is a three to four day tramp in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. Part of it is the famous Tongariro Crossing, a day's march that incorporates the Northern Circuit's most stunning scenery.
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[edit] When to Go
The best time to go is during the summer months (from december to march). It is important to get information about the weather beforehand. Heavy rain can cause small rivers and therefore complicate the progress of the march significantly, some alpine parts are also quite exposed. Moreover the beautiful scenery will be missed. Mountaineering equipment is required during the winter.
[edit] Accommodation
There are four DOC huts around the circuit - Mangatepopo, Katetahi, Oturere and Waihohonu. Since this is nominated a Great Walk, you must pay in advance to stay in the huts or the nearby campsites. This applies to the summer season from October 1st to April 30th, during the other time these huts become Backcountry Huts, which can be used with a cheaper annual hut pass. It is forbidden to camp within 500m off the track.
[edit] Tour Guide
The Northern Circuit is a round trip that can be walked either way. The tour below descibes the clockwise route starting in Whakapapa Village. There is a car park and a DOC Visitor Center where all necessary information is available. There are other possible starting points from various road ends along the track.
Day One - Whakapapa to Mangatepopo Hut 3h
Starting the track at the Whakapapa Visitor Center, it follows mainly the Whakapapa track over eroded plains. It crosses many smaller river beds and can be fairly muddy during rain. On the right side the cone of the vulcano Mt. Ngauruhoe is visible. The Mangatepopo Hut is 5 min off the main track.
Day Two - Mangatepopo Hut to Ketetahi Hut 5h 30min
This is the actual Tongariro Crossing. Starting gently up the Mangatepopo river valley it becomes a steep climb on magmatic rock. It continues through the South Crater and over the Red Crater up to the Emerald Lakes. During the whole walk one is rewarded with an awesome view on the vulcanic scenery that is still active. At the Emerald Lakes, named after their color due to minerals from thermal area, is the branch to the Oturere Hut (1h 30min) for the three day variant. After the lakes, the way descents zigzaging down to the Ketetahi Hut.
Day Three - Ketetahi Hut to Waihohonu Hut 7h
The day begins with a steep climb back to Emerald Lakes only to descent to Oturere Hut. One can see many abstractly formed lava formations on the way. Passing Oturere Hut the track fades into field of gravel without any vegetation. The trail passes the foot of Mt. Ngauruhoe that formed this landscape.
Day Four - Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa 5h 30min
The track follows Waihohonu Stream without much climbing. On the way there is a 10 min side trip to the Tama Lakes, which are filled craters and offer a nice view. Just before Whakapapa there are the Taranaki Falls right from the track, which are worth a view as well.
[edit] External links
Tongariro Northern Circuit, New Zealand Great Walks, Department of Conservation.
