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Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing — the trail guide

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.7 km trek in New Zealand, typically walked in 1 day, with 803 m of total ascent. It rates Hard on our published rubric (41 m of gain per km, topping out at 1845 m). Its operating periods and current access must be checked with the linked route authorities; historical climate averages cannot establish whether the route is open or passable.

A one-way alpine day traverse from Mangatepōpō Valley over Red Crater at 1,886 m, past Ngā Rotopounamu/Emerald Lakes and down to Ketetahi through an active volcanic landscape.

Quick facts

Distance19.7 km
Total ascent803 m
Typical duration1 day
Difficulty (computed)Hard
Steepness41 m gain per km
High point1845 m
CountryNew Zealand
RegionNew Zealand

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Hard" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Official planning information

Elevation profile

Low point 760 m · high point 1845 m · 803 m total ascent over 19.7 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 1119 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan17°203 mm
Feb17°10°202 mm
Mar15°182 mm
Apr12°220 mm
May297 mm
Jun209 mm
Jul272 mm
Aug279 mm
Sep282 mm
Oct10°247 mm
Nov13°275 mm
Dec15°261 mm

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.7 km, and most hikers complete it in 1 day. Total elevation gain is 803 m.

How difficult is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

It rates Hard on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 41 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 1845 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

What season and condition information is available for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

DOC winter alpine context: May–late October. DOC does not publish a fixed seasonal opening date on this page. It distinguishes a winter alpine period from the summer hiking service and advisory period; its daily summer “Not Recommended Today” advisory is not issued from May through October. This note was reviewed 30 Jul 2026 and is not live status; re-check the linked authorities before booking and departure.

Where is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

In New Zealand. The route starts near -39.144, 175.581 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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