Tongariro Crossing – 19.4km – The best 1 day hiking track in NZ

Today we have done the Tongariro Crossing, which depending on weather conditions is often closed for hiking. It is 19.4km long and goes through a very spectacular volcanic terrain. The landscape changes a lot and offers impressive views of lava flows, active crater, steam vents, emerald- and blue-colored lakes.
Starting at Mangatepopo Valley the Tongariro Alpine Crossing it takes 7 to 8 hours to complete. The opposite direction is more uphill and therefore an hour longer is needed.
With a few water breaks, short lunch and photo stops we made it in 6.45h. The track is rather steep on several sections, so hiking poles were very handy. Going downhill on a fine lava to the emerald-colored lakes was also not that easy. The last 9km is pretty much going downhill, but with a lot of stairs. We found it to be the most unpleasant part.