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Tongariro Northern Circuit

Added 1 June 20011 June 2001 by MatthewMatthew.
1 revision 27 September 200527 September 2005 by MatthewMatthew. View history

Actually a circuit of Mt Ngauruhoe, this track passes close to the summit of Tongariro in a spectacular, active volcanic landscape of crater lakes, lava flows, and hot springs. A side-trip leads to the summit of Ngauruhoe.

Begins	Ngauruhoe Place, Whakapapa Village. (various other access points).
Return	Loop track
Grade	What does this mean? Click for warnings and more detail! Easy: Unusually smooth, well-marked track, easy gradients. Up to about 4 hours per day. Easy-medium: Typical lowland track. Generally easy walking and well marked. Ascents of up to 1000m. Some easy river crossings, unmarked travel along rivers. Medium: Typical tops track. Experienced trampers only. Rough, muddy and poorly marked or unmarked. Ascents of up to 2000m. River crossings, open tops, passes. Up to about 8 hours per day. Medium-hard: Navigation and snow skills (use of ice axe and crampons) required. Glaciers, exposure to falls. Hard: Rough or non-existent tracks. Following ridges, bush spurs, and rivers. Steep ascents, arduous travel, hazardous conditions, snow and navigation skills essential. Easy/medium
Length	-
Time	4 – 5 dqays
Altitude
Huts	Mangatepopo Hut Great Walk Hut (DOC). Capacity: 30. Ketetahi Hut Great Walk Hut (DOC). Capacity: 26. Oturere Hut Great Walk Hut (DOC). Capacity: 30.
Map sheets	NZTopo50-BH34 NZTopo50-BH35 NZTopo50-BJ35 NZMS260-T20 NZMS260-T19 View points

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Comments

"We completed this circuit last year and I loved it. Was challenging at times, and was scarey to see some of those completing the crossing wearing gear that was most unsuitable - jeans, string-strap tshirts and sneakers! Have heard of some people needing help on the track, and perhaps it was because they were unprepared. The views are amazing and am enjoying looking back on the photos and reminding myself of the challenge and the sense of accomlishment" — mejules 27 November 200927 November

"My first tramp why is it in hard, more than 7 days?" — www.freewebs.com/hellmission/ 19 July 200819 July 2008

"This is a great open terrain tramp for people of all abilities. I have done this circuit countless times and enjoy taking liberties on direction often doing most of the circuit off-trail. Good to squeeze into 2 days or a relaxing 3 day stroll." — eponymous 16 October 200716 October 2007

"this tramp has spectacular scenery and is a relatively easy tramp. you can take your time and admire the views if the weather is good. well worth doing" — russy 30 March 200730 March 2007

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Great Walks Information

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An introduction to the DOC Great Walks More »

Route Outline: Tongariro Northern Circuit

By Matthew Created 1 January 19981 January 1998.

Exploring an active volcanic landscape of craters, lakes, springs, and sulphurous gases, this spectacular track is hard to match. More »

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