By: Mike Coleman
Tongariro National Park, anchored in a rugged area of New Zealand’s North Island, has a pull on the wanderer’s spirit, a lure that’s hard to resist. Picture a land of active volcanoes, serene lakes, and beautiful forests home to a vibrant spread of plant life.
It’s a place where time is told not by the hands of a clock, but by the years it’s shouldered with dignity since 1887—when it gained the honor of being New Zealand’s first national park.
Let’s explore what puts the iron in Tongariro National Park’s soul.
Photo by Katie McBroom on Unsplash
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
A foray into Tongariro National Park is half-done without marking the tracks of the storied Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This stretch of 19.4 km isn’t merely a hike—it’s a full-bodied journey that packs in the essence of what the park stands for.
Tread through the yawning maws of volcanic craters that echo the earth’s fiery underbelly, walk past lakes flashing their emerald gleam, and bask in the curative warmth of natural hot springs. This crossing, it demands your sweat and time—claiming six to eight hours of your day. But the grand sights that keep you company through your trek—now they are reminders of why you put your boots on in the first place.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, it isn’t just another hike; it’s a crucible that tests and rewards in equal measure.
Mount Ruapehu
Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano standing sentinel in the national park, is a battlefield for the daring. As winter marches in between June and October, the mountain trades its drab cloak for a radiant one, becoming one of New Zealand’s beloved ski playgrounds. Skiers and snowboarders etch their journeys down the slopes, cradled by an otherworldly landscape.
The quest isn’t all about the snow. When summer paints the landscape, Mount Ruapehu ushers climbers to take on its trails. The hike to the crown might test you, but the payoff is a sweeping spectacle of Tongariro’s varied canvas. Be it the throes of winter or the zenith of summer, Mount Ruapehu lights the path for seekers of thrill and stunning vistas.
Photo by Adrien Aletti on Unsplash
Silica Rapids Track
The Silica Rapids Track is not just a trail—it’s a 7.2 km long, breathing testament to Tongariro’s natural allure. It shepherds you through thriving, bright forests, along the banks of scenic cascades, and straight into the bosom of the park’s wildlife.
Though the hike proposes a fair challenge with its steeper sections, it’s the spellbinding vistas of the rapids and the ever-morphing landscape that make this track a journey worth making.
Tawhai Falls
Nestled in a secluded pocket of Tongariro National Park, you stumble upon Tawhai Falls—a dramatic cascade framed by verdant greenery. It’s a refuge of peace, where the melody of falling water and rustling leaves is all you have for company. The picturesque locale is a prime spot for a midday reprieve.
Ketetahi Hot Springs
As the Tongariro Alpine Crossing comes to a close, the Ketetahi Hot Springs rise to greet you. Born from the geothermal forces playing beneath the earth’s crust, these hot springs serve as a natural retreat to soothe your spent body. Renowned for their therapeutic powers, they promise to wash away the day’s fatigue in their warm embrace.
Te Maari Craters
The Te Maari Craters stand as solemn testament to the park’s geothermal spectacle, echoing the relentless forces that sculpt our world. These craters are more than just a sight to behold—they offer a glimpse into the geothermal heartbeat of Tongariro. To witness them is like holding an all-access pass to the earth’s inner workings, showcasing the majesty of raw nature.