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Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Hiking Trail
Hard
12.22 mi
2,849 ft
Traverse active volcanoes in New Zealand's oldest national park.
The Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in New Zealand and a double gold heritage site. It's special for two reasons: it has a hugely rich cultural history and absolutely immense scenery.
The park’s three active volcanic mountains Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu; emerald lakes; and wild moonscapes give the area a fantastical quality which has been attracting adventurers for decades. Since the *Lord of the Rings* films were released, the Tongariro National Park has gained even more popularity as the Ngauruhoe volcanic mountain is featured as the imposing Mount Doom in the films. So if you want to walk in Frodo’s footsteps, or you just simply enjoy the challenge of a tough traverse of three active volcanoes, then this hike is for you!
It’s advised to check both the weather and volcanic conditions before setting out (early!) on this long day trek. You can access this and other up to date information about the hike here:
**Sources**
Written by FATMAP Official
The Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in New Zealand and a double gold heritage site. It's special for two reasons: it has a hugely rich cultural history and absolutely immense scenery.
The park’s three active volcanic mountains Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu; emerald lakes; and wild moonscapes give the area a fantastical quality which has been attracting adventurers for decades. Since the *Lord of the Rings* films were released, the Tongariro National Park has gained even more popularity as the Ngauruhoe volcanic mountain is featured as the imposing Mount Doom in the films. So if you want to walk in Frodo’s footsteps, or you just simply enjoy the challenge of a tough traverse of three active volcanoes, then this hike is for you!
It’s advised to check both the weather and volcanic conditions before setting out (early!) on this long day trek. You can access this and other up to date information about the hike here:
**Sources**
Written by FATMAP Official
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Mangatepopo to Ketetahi | 12.50 mi | -3,642 ft | -1.8% |
| Tongariro Alpine Crossing Climb | 3.65 mi | 1,834 ft | 9.5% |
| Tongariro Alpine Crossing Climb | 0.84 mi | 213 ft | 4.7% |
| Mangatepopo Hut to Red Crater | 4.11 mi | 2,215 ft | 10.2% |
| Tongariro Alpine Crossing Climb | 0.34 mi | 157 ft | 8.8% |
| Tongariro Alpine crossing after Mt Doom | 8.57 mi | -3,468 ft | -6.4% |
| Tongariro Alpine Crossing Climb | 0.61 mi | 735 ft | 22.7% |
| Steep scree descent | 0.18 mi | -397 ft | -39.8% |
| Tongariro Alpine Crossing Climb | 0.19 mi | 164 ft | 15.8% |
| Zigzag Descent | 0.91 mi | -472 ft | -9.7% |