Hikes
HubGreat Walks and day hikes with track times, bookings, transport and safety. Mountain weather changes fast, so check the DOC track page and the forecast on the morning you go.
Quick facts
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- 20.2 km one way, 7 to 8 hours November to April
- From our Tongariro Alpine Crossing guide
Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Official links: parks and outdoors, weather and safety
All useful linksDepartment of Conservation (opens in a new tab)
The official home for national parks, tracks, huts, campsites and alerts.
MetService (opens in a new tab)
New Zealand's official weather forecasts, rain radar and warnings.
Great Walks (opens in a new tab)
The official Great Walks hub: which tracks they are, when bookings open and what they cost.
MetService warnings (opens in a new tab)
Severe weather warnings and watches. Read these before a mountain or west-coast drive.
DOC booking system (opens in a new tab)
Book Great Walks, huts, lodges and bookable campsites on the official DOC system.
Mountain weather (opens in a new tab)
Alpine and ski-field forecasts, which can be a different day entirely from the nearest town.
Online bookings explained (opens in a new tab)
What you can book, how far ahead bookings open, and how to change or cancel.
Marine weather (opens in a new tab)
Coastal and recreational marine forecasts, useful for kayak trips and boat days.
More Hikes guides
MackenzieHooker Valley Track: the easiest big-mountain walk in NZ
FiordlandMilford Track: how to get a booking and what the four days are like
FiordlandRouteburn Track: bookings, transport and day hike options
W膩nakaRoys Peak track: timing, parking, closures and alternatives
Tongariro