First some housework…
1 Did you know the Turangi bakery opens at 6am every morning for anglers and those heading out on the Tongariro Crossing. So you can buy fresh made luncheon rolls etc. before you leave.
2 Did you know the Tongariro Crossing bus will pick you up at TRM office and (if you finish?) will deliver you back here in the afternoon. During peak times they run three shuttles but otherwise the usual time for departure is a civilised 7.30am and they will collect you from the end of the track at either 3 pm or 5 pm to provide for all ages and levels of fitness.
3 Did you know that TRM have hiking poles (old ski poles) available in their office for you to borrow if required. They do make a difference on all the steps down from Ketetahi Hut.
4 Did you know that TRM’s office has all the maps and aerial photos and information sheets and books on other day walks around the Tongariro National Park etc.
Good. Now for a description of the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing:
(All photos by Wayne Godkin updated on 10 April 2008 –we understand that is not Wendy standing on top of the volcanic lava!)
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
(x Lonely Planet Guide Book)
Often called the finest one-day walk in New Zealand,the Tongariro Crossing covers many of the most spectacular features of the Tongariro Northern Circuit between the Mangatepopo and Ketetahi Huts. On clear day the views are magnificent. This is what many trampers do on Day 2 of the Northern Circuit,with the extra walk along the Ketetahi track. Because of its popularity,shuttles are available (from and back to Tongariro River Motel) to both ends of the track. The Tongariro Crossing can be reached off Mangatepopo Road off SH47. There are a couple of steep spots but most of the track is not terribly difficult. However,it is a long exhausting day’s walk. It’s billed as a 6-7 hour walk but expect to take longer if you are not in top condition. Some prefer to do it as a two day walk,especially if side trips are included. The track passes through vegetation zones ranging from alpine scrub and tussock to places at higher altitude where there is no vegetation at all,to the lush podocarp forest as you descend from Ketetahi Hut towards the end of the track Worthwhile side trips from the main track include ascents of Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. Mt,Ngauruhoe can be ascended most easily from the Mangatepopo Saddle,reached near the beginning of the track after the first steep climb. The summit of Mt. Tongariro is reached by a poled route from Red Crater (end of Lonely Planet Description)
Aerial photos and maps of the route of this one day walk are displayed in the Tongariro River Motel office. Maps are also available but hardly needed as there is only one well sign posted track. But please pick a fine day. Tourists have perished on this track from being under prepared for the changing conditions. It really is an alpine region where the weather can change rapidly and you can experience extremes of all four seasons in one day. Walking poles (old ski sticks) are available from the TRM office.
WARNING:TRM often encourage prospective Tongariro Crossing walkers around a one hour circuit from the motel to check their fitness level is adequate for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
The updated photos indicate a few of the recent improvements to make this track easier with formed walkways and paths and steps over the more difficult terrain.
A more detailed description follows from “A visior’s guide to Taupo and the Central Plateau”by Margaret Jeffries –we quote:
“Described as one of the best day walks in New Zealand,this 17km hike attracts hundreds of people daily during the summer months. In winter,depending on snow and ice conditions,it can be a true mountaineering trip requiring ice axes and crampons. The track crosses exposed alpine country where it can be extremely cold and windy even in summer,so it is essential to carry warm waterproof jackets and over trousers,hats,mittens,and food and drink.
The walk is easier if started from the end of the Mangatepopo Road and begins with a gentle walk up the Mangatepopo Valley,passing the track back to Whakapapa Village after 15 minutes and the side track to Mangatepopo Hut in another 5 minutes. After climbing gradually for an hour or more,you will reach the head of the valley and base of the Staircase. On the left are the Soda Springs,where the Mangatepopo Stream seeps out of the ground and trickles out of rocks in a small waterfall…
A long steep climb up the Staircase brings you out on the saddle between Tongariro and Ngaurahoe,a windy place where most walkers huddle out of the wind to wait for friends and have a bite to eat…. After crossing the South Crater,which sometimes holds a shallow pool of snow melt,the ascent continues up to and along the ridge to Red Crater,with its spectacular red,black and brown walls. Wind strength up here will determine how long you spend admiring the awesome hole at your feet before descending down to the Emerald Lakes,another popular spot for a rest and a snack.
Just after the lakes the track to Oturere Hut turns right while the main trail to Ketetahi Hut continues across the basin of the Central Crater. A short climb to the rim brings views of Blue Lake,which fills another old inactive vent,before the long descent down the northern flanks of the mountain begin. After passing through a saddle the track contours around the lower flanks of the North Crater where gardens of lush alpine vegetation contrast dramatically with the stark summit area. Ketetahi Hut can be seen below and views to Lake Rotoaira,the summits of Pihanga,Tihia and Kakaramea and further out to Lake Taupo are grand. Below the hut the track descends to the bottom of the Ketetahi Springs then continues down to a lookout point at the edge of the bush. A steep stepped section is followed by more meandering beside the discoloured Mangatetipua Stream before the track ends at the side road off SH46….” 
To avoid having to do a car shuttle,use one of the many transport services available from Turangi. As at 2008 Summer the cost for pick up at TRM to take you to the start at Mangatepopo Road and then collect you some 7-8 hours later at the Ketetahi end and return you to TRM is $35 per person. The web site for the Tongariro Shuttle is on TRM’s links.
In 1990 the National Park was recognised as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural values. The volcanoes in particular are noted for the frequency of eruptions,their highly explosive nature and the high density of volcanic vents. In 1993 Tongariro National Park became the first place in the world to be listed as a World heritage Site for the spiritual and cultural values that the landscape holds for the indigenous people.
Tongariro River Motel also recommend other easier Turangi walks
(Special note here from the Tongariro River Motel security manager,Boof –who adores being taken for walkies!)
The Famous Tongariro River Motel Compulsory Constitutional Walk.
30 minutes return. From Tongariro River Motel cross over Taupahi Road and walk down Te Aho Road towardsthe river. Pick up the riverside track and turn to the right to proceed up-river. This travels past famous Tongariro River fishing pools including Judges,Island Pool,Major Jones Pool and Breakfast Pool.
A feature of this walk are the sight of anglers standing up to their chests fly fishing the pools. From the elevated track adjoining the flying fox wire across the river you will often spy trout lying at the head of the pool. The usual turn around point is at the Swing bridge and return the same way. Alternatively,if you have enough energy,the track continues up the river past the Hydro Pool (watch the anglers casting their flies to spawning runs in the winter months) for 10 minutes before returning the same way.
Tongariro River Loop Track
1 hour,loop track. (This is popular as a trial run fo the Tongariro Crossing –if you cannot complete this in under one hour you may not qualify for the Tongariro Crossing walk.)
From the motel cross over Taupahi Road and proceed down Te Aho Street towards the Tongariro River where the loop track leads to the right –up-river,or to the left –down-river.
Usually the track descriptions start from either the northern end at SH 1 bridge,or at southern end from Major Jones footbridge,Koura Street,Turangi This loop track can be walked in either direction. It is described here from the northern access point on the true right bank of the Tongariro River,just over the Road bridge. Note:the true left or right is the side taken when looking downstream.
Proceeding along the track to the left to cross over the road bridge on the footpath on the left side of the road-bridge and then loop to the left under the bridge if you wish to
avoid SH1 traffic. From the first lookout point,the track climbs steeply to a viewpoint
over the Tongariro River,a trout fishery of international renown. Mt Pihanga,and the eroded volcanoes of the northern range of Tongariro National Park form a backdrop to the town of Turangi.
The track wanders through bush to the Major Jones footbridge at the southernmost point of the track. Cross the bridge and continue the walk back down-river along the true left river bank. This side of the river is an easy level walk in a more urban setting. It passes through a narrow stretch of public land alongside the river.
Again,a feature of this walk are the sight of anglers standing up to their chests fly fishing the pools. From the elevated track adjoining the flying fox wire across the river you will often spy trout lying at the head of the pool.
