New Zealand Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hiking Guide | Challenge the World-Class Volcano Trail

#2月好去地方2025 Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most famous hiking trails in New Zealand and is known as one of the best one-day hiking routes in the world. This 12.5-mile (19.4-kilometer) trail traverses dramatic volcanic terrain, with craters, emerald lakes, geothermal features and stunning mountain views along the way, making you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : This section is relatively easy and is a good time to warm up. 2. Soda Springs to South Crater (4-6 km) Start to enter the steep "Devil's Staircase", which is one of the most challenging climbing sections on the trail. It needs to climb about 300 meters to South Crater, which is a large and spectacular volcanic basin. 3. South Crater to Red Crater (6-8 km, the highest point of the trail is 1,886 meters) Enter the most exciting section and climb Red Crater. The red rocks around the crater are oxidized by high temperatures, forming bright colors. The wind is strong and the terrain is soft, so you need to walk carefully, but you can overlook the spectacular volcanic landscape here. 4. Red Crater to Emerald Lakes (8-9 km) This section of the road is the most popular check-in point! The three emerald lakes are dreamy in color. Due to the action of volcanic minerals, the lake water presents different shades of emerald color, and the scenery is stunning. 5. Emerald Lakes to Blue Lake (9-10 km) After leaving Emerald Lakes, the trail begins to descend and arrives at Blue Lake. This mysterious volcanic lake is considered a sacred place by the local Maori people and the lake water cannot be touched. 6. Blue Lake to Ketetahi Shelter (10-16 km) This section of the road starts to go downhill and enter the steam fumarole area. Geothermal activities can be seen along the way. 7. Ketetahi Shelter to Ketetahi Carpark (16-19.4 km) The last 3 km is in forest area and the trail is relatively gentle, but your legs may feel tired after the long trek. The finish line is at the Ketetahi parking lot, completing a spectacular volcano hike! --- Transportation and transfers This trail is a one-way route, so it is recommended to take a shuttle bus to the trailhead and be picked up at the end and taken back to the starting point. You can choose to pick up from your accommodation (eg Turangi, National Park Village). --- ✔ Best season: November to April (summer), the weather is relatively stable ✘ Winter hiking: From May to October, the trail is covered with snow, and ice climbing equipment is required. Experienced people or guided tours are recommended ⚠ Weather changes quickly: Be sure to check the weather forecast before departure. Hiking is not recommended when there is strong wind, heavy rain or heavy fog ⚠ Altitude sickness note: Some people may have mild altitude sickness, such as dizziness or nausea, so it is recommended to slow down Compared to Taiwan's mountains above 3,000 meters above sea level, this hiking trail is not too difficult. The main thing is that you need to have strong willpower. After all, it takes 7-8 hours to complete a one-way trail, but the scenery along the way is really worth the effort to appreciate. I wish everyone a wonderful travel experience!