PRINT MODULESection Two
Tongariro Northern Circuit, Tongariro National Park
Located in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest National Park and a World Heritage area.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit skirts the circumference of Mt Ngarauhoe (2291 metres) and over Mt Tongariro.
This is an active volcanic region. The walk offers views over spectacular lava formations, tussock grasslands, geysers, craters, thermal springs and emerald green mineral lakes.
Part of the walk includes the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded by many as New Zealand’s best one-day walk.
Location - Tongariro National Park is located south of Lake Taupo.
Length - 3-4 days, 50km, Medium to Difficult Grade. A range of trips can be planned around the Tongariro Northern Circuit. Day trips, overnight trips, or the three to four day walk around the complete circuit.
Type of Walk - Great Walk - independent and guided options available. The Northern Circuit is considered a challenging walk, largely on exposed terrain, much of it on uneven track surface. Your clients should be at least moderately fit.
Start - There are four entry points to the track but the most popular starts at Whakapapa Village.
Finish - Whakapapa Village.
When to walk - November - April when the tracks are clear of snow. The track is open year round however during winter alpine experience is required.
Recommended equipment
- Wet weather clothing
- Ice axes and crampons in winter
Nearest town - National Park, 15km from Whakapapa Village
NB: Only basic supplies are available from National Park or Whakapapa Village.
Nearest main centres - Turangi, Ohakune and Taupo.
How to get to and from the region/track
Air
Visitors can fly to Taupo airport - Air New Zealand www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Auckland - Whakapapa village - 351kms, 5 hours. Vehicles can be left at owners own risk at Whakapapa Village
Intercity Coaches offer a wide range of scheduled services throughout the North Island departing from Auckland or Wellington to National Park. www.intercitycoach.co.nz
The Overlander ex Auckland or Wellington operated by TranzScenic www.tranzscenic.co.nz
From Auckland to National Park - 5.5 hours
From Wellington to National Park - 6.5 hours
There are four huts on the circuit. Bookings are not essential, however a Great Walk hut pass must be purchased prior to the commencement of the walk. Passes can be purchased from a DOC office in New Zealand or on their website.
Guided walk operators
Visit www.newzealand.com to find guided walking operators. Go to Sights & Activities/Activities/Land Activities/Walking & Trekking and search in the Ruapehu region (hover your mouse over the map).
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park
Often claimed as New Zealand’s best one day walk.
The Tongariro Crossing is an extended 7-8 hour alpine walk and requires a reasonable fitness level, appropriate clothing and water supplies need to be carried.
Dotted along the track are volcanic wonders such as the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes and old lava flows.
Location - Tongariro National Park
Length - 7-8 hours, 17km, Moderate to Difficult Grade (one-way)
Type of Walk - Major Walk - independent and guided options available
Start - From National Park village take Highway 47 and turn onto the unsealed Mangatepopo Road, and travel approx 6kms to the carpark
Finish - Ketetahi car park - off Highway 47A
When to walk - November - April
Recommended equipment
- Sturdy walking boots
- Wet weather clothing
Nearest town - National Park, 15km from Whakapapa Village
NB: Only basic supplies are available from National Park or Whakapapa Village.
Nearest main centres - Turangi, Ohakune and Taupo.
How to get to and from the region/track
Air
Visitors can fly to Taupo airport - Air New Zealand www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Self Drive
Vehicles can be left at Whakapapa Village and transfers to and from the track arranged. If leaving a vehicle at Mangatepopo carpark then transport needs to be arranged to return to the vehicle.
Scheduled Coach Services
Several companies operate daily bus transfers ex Whakapapa village leaving at 8am and returning at 6pm.
InterCity Coachlines run a service to and from the track from Taupo and Turangi. www.intercity.co.nz
Huts and permits - No permits are required for the Crossing.
Guided walk operators
Walks depart from Whakapapa village and include return transfers:
www.tongariroexpeditions.com
www.walkinglegends.com
www.peteoutdoors.co.nz
or check out the product listings on www.newzealand.com.
Lake Waikaremoana, Te Urewera National Park
Lake Waikaremoana (‘Sea of Rippling Waters’) is situated east of Lake Taupo in Urewera National Park.
Except for one day spent climbing a steep bluff, the track follows a leisurely path though wonderful rainforest. There is magnificent forested scenery and plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing.
For more information see www.lake.co.nz or track information on www.doc.govt.nz.
Location - Eastland Region, 156kms from Rotorua
Length - 46km, 4-5 days, Easy to Moderate Grade
Type of Walk - Great Walk
Start - Onepoto
Finish - Hopuruahine Bridge (Walkers can also walk this track from both directions)
When to walk - All year
Recommended equipment
- Cooking equipment
Nearest town - Tuai
Nearest main centres - Wairoa, Rotorua
How to get to and from the region/track
Self Drive
Follow State Highway 38 from Wairoa or Rotorua (No. 5 from Rotorua and turnoff before Waiotapu). Part of the road to Lake Waikaremoana is unsealed
Carpark at Onepoto, Te Urewera National Park - vehicles are left unattended at own risk.
Free secure vehicle storage at Big Bush Holiday Park, 4km from Onepoto.
Scheduled Coach Services
Big Bush Holiday Park run a shuttle between Rotorua and Wairoa collecting walkers at either end of the walk.(Note this is not a daily service) www.lakewaikaremoana.co.nz
Waikaremoana Motor Camp provides transport to and from either end of the track. Operates to schedule in summer and on demand in winter
Tel: +64 6 837 3826 www.lake.co.nz
Ferry
Waikaremoana Guided Tours operates a ferry between the trailheads on Lake Waikaremoana Tel: +64 6 837 3729
Big Bush Holiday Park also offers a water taxi service on demand
Huts and permits
Visitors must book if they wish to stay overnight on the Lake Waikaremoana Track.
There are five DOC huts and five DOC campsites available on the track and both forms of accommodation require bookings. Visit www.doc.govt.nz
Great Walks Hut passes will be required and need to be purchased prior to commencing the walk.
Guided Walks
The main operator in the Park is Walking Legends Guided Walks at www.walkinglegends.com
