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Tongariro Alpine Crossing New Zealand

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New New Zealand is a spectacular one day trek of 12 miles across a dramatic volcanic landsape. Located a few kilometres south of Lake Taupo Tongariro National Park is the 4th oldest national park in the world and has 2 UNESCO designations. The volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are within the park. The route passes through the cratered volcanic landscape of Mt Tongariro, where azure blue lakes and hot springs dot the route. The route has been described as Alpine due to its rugged nature. Much of the route is at high altitude and has weather extremes of wind and snow so go prepared.

Shuttles run from nearby towns to the start of the route and back at the end. The route requires a good level of fitness, appropriate outdoor clothing. Start out from National Park Village ,near Ruapehu.The hardest part of the track is a 45 minute ascent to the Tongariro Saddle. You walk through 2 craters and past the beautiful Emerald Lakes and Blue Lakes. Past the bubbling Ketetahi Hot Springs before a 2 hour descent to the end of the track. If you are feeling fit you can climb Mt. Ngauruhoe but is a strenuous climb and will add a couple of hours to your tramp, making being picked up tricky. You will need to be shuttled from the start and end of the track .www.peakbagging.co.nz