Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Is this New Zealand's Best Day Hike?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, and for good reason. This 19.4-kilometer trek took us through a stunning volcanic landscape, including views of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe (also known as Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings films), and Mount Ruapehu.
The hike is a challenging one, with steep ascents and descents and unpredictable weather conditions. However, the stunning views and unique landscape make it all worth it.
The hike began with a gradual ascent along the Mangatepopo Valley. The valley is surrounded by towering volcanic cliffs and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After about an hour of hiking, we reached the foot of the Devil's Staircase, a steep ascent that took us up to the South Crater.
Once we reached the South Crater, we were greeted with stunning views of Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. The trail continues along the ridge of the South Crater, passing the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes. The Red Crater is the highest point of the hike, standing at 1,886 meters above sea level. The view from the top is breathtaking, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The Emerald Lakes are a highlight of the hike, with their bright green and blue colors caused by minerals and volcanic activity. We stopped here to take in the views and rest before continuing on to the Blue Lake, which is located on the western side of Mount Tongariro.
From the Blue Lake, we descend through the tussock and forested slopes of the Oturere Valley, passing the stunning Tama Lakes along the way. The descent is steep and can be challenging, but the views of the valley and surrounding landscape are well worth it.

Пікірлер: 20

  • @GeorgeSoan
    @GeorgeSoan Жыл бұрын

    Have you done this hike before? If so, share your best tips below and I'll include them in a future video!

  • @doriskong5285
    @doriskong52856 ай бұрын

    I like your video that gave me confident to go for this route in Marc 2024.

  • @GeorgeSoan

    @GeorgeSoan

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks! That’s great to hear :)

  • @davidsoan7350
    @davidsoan7350 Жыл бұрын

    I can see why the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best treks in NZ but not for the faint hearted! Hard to believe that the volcano is active and only erupted a short time ago but so peaceful now. Awesome.

  • @GeorgeSoan

    @GeorgeSoan

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, it does cross your mind when hiking across it! haha. Thanks for watching :)

  • @daver7867

    @daver7867

    Жыл бұрын

    white island was always active and the powers that be had no problems with tourists visiting the site until that terrible event a few years back....tongariro isnt puffing smoke into the atmosphere monthly like white island but its still active......i actually would hate to see these hikes near volcanoes stop, people are aware beforehand they are active but still choose to go, as so would i.......even after knowing the events which happened on white island.....probably human nature to venture to these marvelous sites........but saying all that these volcanoes are monitored now more than ever and if there was a slight change in status levels where there was higher level of risk they wouldnt send people up there....hopefully.

  • @rach_mac
    @rach_mac Жыл бұрын

    What an unforgettable experience!! Can't recommend this hike enough ☺

  • @GeorgeSoan

    @GeorgeSoan

    Жыл бұрын

    Agreed! :)

  • @daver7867
    @daver7867 Жыл бұрын

    ive done mt cook and this one....both beautiful...yet different visuals. congrats on your hike.

  • @GeorgeSoan

    @GeorgeSoan

    Жыл бұрын

    Awesome! We want to do mount cook next time!! Thanks! :)

  • @trs333
    @trs333 Жыл бұрын

    looks awesome, loving the videos guys. would love to get here someday

  • @GeorgeSoan

    @GeorgeSoan

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! Yes, I would highly recommend it!

  • @BrianH-pr7lu
    @BrianH-pr7lu Жыл бұрын

    Great video, thanks for sharing

  • @GeorgeSoan

    @GeorgeSoan

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching :)

  • @doriskong5285
    @doriskong52856 ай бұрын

    Hi, Good day to you

  • @doriskong5285
    @doriskong52856 ай бұрын

    I would like to understand from you where did you park your van and from there how you get to the starting point ?

  • @GeorgeSoan

    @GeorgeSoan

    6 ай бұрын

    We used a company where you can park your car in their carpark, then they drive you to the starting point in a bus. We Google searched it, then used the offical one (I don’t think there is parking at the start line)

  • @doriskong5285

    @doriskong5285

    6 ай бұрын

    Can you share me the company name ?

  • @Andy_M986
    @Andy_M986 Жыл бұрын

    No walk in the park?,it's literally a walk in the park.😂

  • @GeorgeSoan

    @GeorgeSoan

    Жыл бұрын

    haha true 🤣

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