A breath taking hike - for both the views the effort! This is not to be underrated as a stroll in the park. It’s a massive effort to literally climb a mountain range. Lots of people unprepared in board shorts and flip flops, when the weather can change in a heartbeat. Don’t be one of those people. If you’re considering it, do it, or you’ll go home with regrets!

I did this walk with 7 other friends, we all started as a group of 8. It took us 7.5hrs and 9hrs, as we ended up in two separate groups. We assessed the weather at the beginning and then again at each 'milestone'. There are signs that tell you to turn back if the weather is not looking favourable. One of our group members turned around near the top of the devil's staircase, as she wasn't comfortable carrying on in low visibility and light rain. We made sure she carried on with a group and not alone. We continued to assess risks as we carried on walking. We had light to moderate rain, light to moderate winds and cold temperatures in parts, but we felt they were still within safety parameters (self-assessments). The weather didn't stay in one place, it constantly moved and changed. We also saw a guide and his group, which reassured that our assessments were okay. The gear we each had; sandwiches, fruit, bars, lollies, 2L+ water, hiking boots/shoes, layered clothing, waterproof jackets, spare socks, gloves, hat, toilet paper, sunblock, lip balm, sanitiser. Toilets are roughly every 1.5hrs and they are 'long drop' style. Definitely do your research and be well prepared! Water, food and the right gear because mountain weather changes quickly. What would I do differently? Have waterproof everything - shoes, pants, jacket, bag cover. Have some insoles for my shoes, as the last few hours I started to feel the ground a bit. Keep to time and a consistent pace. Pack food that is easy to eat and digest (almonds didn't work for me). Other thoughts: I packed 3.5L water, which would have been fine in warm weather, but I used less than 2L.

Well I'm a young 63 Yr old man I did have a few thoughts about what if but hey I just went for it. Did it with my 28yr old daughter and her husband what a fantastic walk this is not easy in places but as others say its well sign posted that you can turn back now if finding it hard. I can honestly say I had to stop and admire the views quite a few times if you know what I mean. Started of lovely sunny weather then went cloudy and cold at the top for a while so take heed wear the right clothes take plenty of snacks and water and enjoy it. It took us about 9 hrs and I loved every bit of it .

Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate the day of our hike. We were with a guide, Demi with Adrift, and were warned we might not make the entire trek. She kept the group moving. Although we made it up the Devil's Staircase and to the South Crater, we had to turn back. The rain and wind were relentless. Even in ideal weather conditions, we would have found this a challenging hike. As a bucket list trek, we hope to revisit the opportunity to crossover. Next time, we'll hope for clear skies be prepared for a faster pace than we expected. We'll also plan to book with Adrift again.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing was actually one of the best day hiking which I did, it's an around 20 kms trek, the view was really stunning and amazing. No matter 8 kms uphill or 12 kms downhill, we found gorgeous view all the way. Strongly recommended hiking trail.

We tried this a couple times prior but due to weather was not able to get it done. 3rd time lucky and we did it, and I tell you it was worth it!! Great hike, amazing views and all in all a fantastic experience. Highly recommended.

This hike may have been one of the most challenging treks I’ve ever done but I am also from New York where there are no volcanos. It was quite difficult at times during the steep incline/decline but was so beyond worth it. The views were surreal and it didn’t even feel like Earth. Also, when you do complete the hike which was about 12.5 miles and took us around 6 hours the feeling afterwords was so rewarding. You will feel so accomplished. The hike did have many checkpoints throughout that had bathrooms and rocks or ground to sit on which was nice. Overall this was definelty the coolest and biggest hike I’ve ever done and highly recommend checking it off the bucket list!!

Total hike 19.5kmsplus 1 more km from exit to Carpark. Don't underestimate this hike. It can totally destroy your ego. Be fully equipped with water, food, shoes etc. The legs would be decimated. I drove from Auckland to Carpark, did the hike and drove back. Suggestion-better to stay in taupo and before and after. My soul left my body after this. I totally underestimated this hike. It laughed at me later. What a beauty.

We did this 1st March 2024 in on Bluebird day! Absolutely mega. Arriving 6:45 at the shuttle carpark and then setting off at 7am in the shuttle so we started our walk crica 7:45 once they dropped us off. The walk itself has lots of warning signs, as well as our shuttle company warning you of all the dangers. To be honest, it was easier to walk than Scafell Pike in the UK, but I guess they've got to be overly communicative of the risk to a tourist based audience, but the ground was firm at all times bar coming down to the blue pools. It took us 6:45, taking our time and spotting for lots of mega pics - We're regular-isk hikers, so reasonably fit. The last 25% of the walk is descending to the road and then carpark through the bush up the mountain and then the forest down below. This felt like it took ages, but still beautiful in its own way, but the first 1/2 of the walk pays back quickly with views, ticking off all the main POI. Would do it again, thankfully we had brilliant weather, so could see for absolute miles.

The famous Tongariro Crossing 19.4km in length . Park your car at the end of the trail,take the shuttle to the start and start thefamous trek . The early stages are scenic and flat rising slowly.. Then the first climb is tiring but places you at the Volcano used as Mount Doom ( Lord of the Rings) and the famous gate into Mordor . Not long after,is your second and last climb upto the Red Crater.. from here you have a steep descent to the sulphur Pools .. Great places to take pictures.. The last third of the walk is zigzagging down the pass . Toilets are placed every 1-2hrs .. Weather , it can be cold at the top and then very hot . A lot of folk get sun burnt, so protect yourself .. Great walk and I met loads of friendly folk who talked to me from all age groups.. Just take your time and enjoy it.