Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The day begins with an easy tramp up Mangatepopo Valley and over a succession of old
lava flows. Within an hour you pass a spur track to
Soda Springs
(an easy 15-minute return
trip), which, if the wind is right, might be smelt before they are seen. Look out for pretty
yellow buttercups here.
The main track continues up the valley and quickly begins a well-marked climb to the
saddle between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. The ascent among the lava rocks is steep, but
well marked with stacks of steps and marker poles. After 45 minutes to one hour you reach
the top, passing the signposted route to Mt Ngauruhoe Summit.
Follow the poles as they continue past the junction and cross
South Crater
, an eerie place
when the clouds are low, and a huge walled amphitheatre when the weather is clear. The
walk through the crater is flat, with the slopes of Ngauruhoe to the right and the Tongariro
summit to the left.
Once across the crater, the track - now a poled route - resumes climbing the ridge, and at
the top you can see Oturere Valley and the Kaimanawa Range to the east.
Having slogged up the rocky ridge, you will reach a signposted junction to a route up to
Mt Tongariro Summit (1967m, two hours return). To the right is the gaping
Red Crater
,
around which you sidle to the highest point on the track (1886m). It's essential to have fa-
vourable weather when traversing it, and if you're lucky enough to get a clear day you will
enjoy stupendous views that might even include Taranaki to the west and Mt Tauhara, Mt
Putuaki and Mt Tarawera to the north.
The track begins its descent along the side of Red Crater, where you will get your first
view of the surreal
Emerald Lakes
. These three old explosion pits feature brilliant colour-
ing, thanks to minerals washing down from Red Crater.
The track then drops steeply into
Central Crater
. Be careful along this stretch of track,
which begins as loose scree but turns into a hard, packed surface with loose stones that act
like marbles. Many trampers have injured themselves here.
Trampers wishing to exit the tramp via Ketatahi Rd should stick with Tongariro Alpine
Crossing walkers, and follow the
Ketatahi Track
towards
Blue Lake
and onward around the
flanks of
North Crater
. Eventually the track dips below the bushline into lush podocarp
forest. So many trampers depart at Ketetahi Rd that there is usually a vendor selling drinks
and sandwiches. There is also a shelter and a toilet, but no drinking water. It's a 700m des-
cent over 6.5km, taking two to three hours.
Those continuing around the circuit should turn off at the junction signposted to Oturere
Valley, where there are views of the Kaimanawa Ranges and Rangipo Desert. A barren land-
