Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 2
103 mi13 mi
Hike Mount Tongariro and Volcano Emerald Lake
After a hearty breakfast, get ready for a good physical activity today - hiking a volcano, in the crater of which a prize awaits you - a gorgeous view of Emerald Lake.
Alpine Сrossing Tongariro is considered the best one-day trekking route in New Zealand.
The best time to do this hiking is from October to April. It's better to start earlier to avoid crowds and heat.
Be sure to bring snacks, drinking water - minimum 2 liters per person, hats, sun protection, and hiking boots. Be ready to change the weather quickly and take your warm and waterproof layers, and windproof jacket. You can check the full list of preparation here Before the trip, be sure to check the weather forecast for Tongariro Alpine Crossing here
The best time to do this hiking is from October to April. It's better to start earlier to avoid crowds and heat.
Be sure to bring snacks, drinking water - minimum 2 liters per person, hats, sun protection, and hiking boots. Be ready to change the weather quickly and take your warm and waterproof layers, and windproof jacket. You can check the full list of preparation here Before the trip, be sure to check the weather forecast for Tongariro Alpine Crossing here
0.5 mi
5 min
07:0010 min
Tongariro Track Transport
Travel Agency
Open Details
Due to the fact that from October to April there is a 4-hour parking limit at the Mangatepopo parking lot, where the track starts and the passage of the track will take 7-9 hours, it is worth using the shuttle. You can leave your car here. The shuttle operator will drop you off at Mangatepopo and pick you up at the end of the track in Ketahahi. Pick-up and drop-off times vary depending on weather conditions on the day.
For more details and booking, you can check here.
During the winter, there are no temporary parking restrictions and you can leave your car at the Mangatepopo car park. But you have to be very well prepared for the hike in winter much more difficult weather conditions.
During the winter, there are no temporary parking restrictions and you can leave your car at the Mangatepopo car park. But you have to be very well prepared for the hike in winter much more difficult weather conditions.
12.3 mi
25 min
07:4010 min
Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Mangatepopo Car Park
Parking
Open Details
This is the start of your hiking adventure.
Your route will pass through a volcanic alpine landscape full of incredible contrasts: smoking vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation, and vibrant crater lakes.
This is a fairly complex hack that requires good physical shape. It starts in the Mangatepopo Valley, passes through the South Crater, and then rises again to the Red Crater, the highest crossing point at 1886 meters.
During the winter months, you can park your car right here, in which case there might be a way to explore the round-trip circuit: to Emerald Lake and back. But if you are on a shuttle, then after the walk you will be picked up at the other end of the path and taken to your car, which is parked in the parking lot of the shuttle company.
This is a fairly complex hack that requires good physical shape. It starts in the Mangatepopo Valley, passes through the South Crater, and then rises again to the Red Crater, the highest crossing point at 1886 meters.
During the winter months, you can park your car right here, in which case there might be a way to explore the round-trip circuit: to Emerald Lake and back. But if you are on a shuttle, then after the walk you will be picked up at the other end of the path and taken to your car, which is parked in the parking lot of the shuttle company.
5.4 mi
2 hrs 45 min
11:0030 min
Emerald Lakes
Park
Open Details
From the Red Crater, you will descend along the volcanic scree to the bright Emerald Lake, which is sacred to the local Maori.
The lake is a product of past volcanic activity and was formed inside the crater from a mixture of mineral deposits, melted snow, and ice.
The Maori name for the Emerald Lakes is I Ngarotopounamu, which means "Green Stone Lakes". The combination of volcanic minerals and sunlight gives the Emerald Lakes their incredible bright green glow as sunlight reflects off the layer of mineral deposited on the bottom of the lake. Algae also contribute to the formation of color.
The Maori name for the Emerald Lakes is I Ngarotopounamu, which means "Green Stone Lakes". The combination of volcanic minerals and sunlight gives the Emerald Lakes their incredible bright green glow as sunlight reflects off the layer of mineral deposited on the bottom of the lake. Algae also contribute to the formation of color.
7.6 mi
2 hrs 45 min
14:3015 min
Tongariro Crossing Car Park
Landmark
Open Details
The shuttle operator will coordinate the time with you and pick you up here to take you to the parking place of your car.
22.2 mi
40 min
15:305 min
Tongariro Track Transport
Travel Agency
Open Details
Pick up your car from the shuttle operator's parking
64.2 mi
1 hr 30 min
17:151 hr
Otumuheke Stream (Spa Park Hot Pools)
Open Details
After a long and challenging day out it would be simply necessary to relax at nature's hot pools.
Otumuheke is a historic bathing and was a meeting place for the Maori.
Relax in free natural rock pools with stunning views of the crystal-clear green waters of the Waikato River.
The place is equipped with changing rooms and platforms for rest on the river bank
2.3 mi
10 min
18:301 hr 30 min
Embra
Restaurant
Open Details
Fine dining restaurant with 5 courses menu, that flows with the seasons, will be will a reward after a physically active day.
The chief combines French & British cooking techniques with modern Kiwi cuisine.
Recommended to book in advance here. Open Hours: Sunday - Monday: Closed Tuesday - Saturday: 18:00 - 23:00 (last orders 21:00)
Recommended to book in advance here. Open Hours: Sunday - Monday: Closed Tuesday - Saturday: 18:00 - 23:00 (last orders 21:00)
2 mi
5 min
22:009 hrsBed and Breakfasts
The Retreat Luxury Garden Villa
9.5
The cottage accommodates up to two adults and offers the perfect setting for a romantic getaway in a nice quiet garden.
Enjoy the spectacular mountain views and listen to local birds sing from your private veranda.
You can relax and rejuvenate in your own spa pool with a glass of New Zealand wine and stargazing in the night sky.