🏔 Tongariro Alpine Crossing｜The most stunning volcanic hiking route in the North Island, walking through Middle-earth in one day

📍 Location Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located in Tongariro National Park. It is one of the most classic hiking routes in the North Island of New Zealand. It is about 19.4 kilometers long and is known as "one of the top ten single-day hiking routes in the world." ⸻ 🚗 Transportation • Driving suggestions: It is not recommended to drive back and forth by yourself. The most recommended way is to book a shuttle service, take a shuttle bus from the terminal parking lot to the starting point Mangatepopo, and drive away directly after the end. • Nearest town: It is about 30 minutes drive from Turangi; about 1 hour from Taupō; some accommodation operators also provide one-day shuttle package services. • Shuttle bus: You can take a special bus (such as Tongariro Expeditions, Backyard Tours) from Taupō, Turangi, and National Park Village. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance. ⸻ 📝 Personal experience I will really put this hike on the list of "must do it once in this life". The whole 19 kilometers of the journey, starting from the dark in the early morning and ending at dusk, every terrain and every corner of the scenery will make you feel: "This world is so spectacular." At the beginning, there are tame grasslands and foggy rocks. In the middle, you will climb the red volcano Red Crater and the emerald volcanic lake Emerald Lakes - the contrasting colors are so strong that you will stop to take pictures all the time. Along the way, you can also see Mt. Doom (real name Mt. Ngauruhoe), the "Doomsday Volcano" in the "Lord of the Rings" movie, and it feels like you have really walked into Middle-earth. However, it is not an easy skit route. The slope difference is large and the weather changes quickly. You must be prepared for physical strength and equipment. My thighs started to tremble when I walked to the latter part, but I felt a great sense of accomplishment after the whole section. #JulyDestinations2025 #NewZealandAttractions #NorthIslandAttractions