{"id":695,"date":"2021-11-15T15:48:16","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T15:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/"},"modified":"2023-06-25T12:42:24","modified_gmt":"2023-06-25T12:42:24","slug":"tongariro-northern-circuit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/","title":{"rendered":"The Essential Guide To Trekking The Tongariro Northern Circuit in New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#Exploring_the_magic_of_the_Tongariro_Northern_Circuit_in_New_Zealand\" >Exploring the magic of the Tongariro Northern Circuit in New Zealand<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#How_to_get_there\" >How to get there?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#How_to_make_a_reservation_for_the_Tongariro_Northern_Circuit\" >How to make a reservation for the Tongariro Northern Circuit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#How_many_days_do_you_need_to_complete_the_Tongariro_Northern_Circuit\" >How many days do you need to complete the Tongariro Northern Circuit?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#Should_you_hike_Tongariro_Northern_Circuit_clockwise_or_counter-clockwise\" >Should you hike Tongariro Northern Circuit clockwise or counter-clockwise?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#Stage_1_Whakapapa_Village_to_The_Mangatepopo_Hut\" >Stage 1: Whakapapa Village to The Mangatepopo Hut<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#Stage_2_Mangatepopo_hut_to_the_Oturere_hut\" >Stage 2: Mangatepopo hut to the Oturere hut<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#Stage_3_Oturere_Hut_to_Waihohonu_Hut\" >Stage 3: Oturere Hut to Waihohonu Hut<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#Stage_4_Waihohonu_Hut_to_Whakapapa_Village\" >Stage 4: Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa Village<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/#Important_tips_to_remember\" >Important tips to remember<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tongariro Northern Circuit a&nbsp;<strong>43km loop<\/strong>&nbsp;which circumnavigates an active volcano in&nbsp;<strong>New Zealand\u2019s Taupo Volcanic Zone<\/strong>. It&#8217;s a longer version of the&nbsp;famous Tongariro Crossing &#8211; one of New Zealand&#8217;s most walked day hikes.&nbsp;The full circuit also classifies as one of&nbsp;the&nbsp;10&nbsp;Great Walks in New Zealand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The highlights of the Tongariro Northern Circuit overlap&nbsp;majorly&nbsp;with the Tongariro Crossing day hike, but as soon as the two paths split you will leave behind the crowds and enjoy the volcanic landscapes in solitude.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As with all the Great Walks in New Zealand comes great popularity. In fact the Tongariro Northern Circuit is the 5th most popular great walk after&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/backpacking-milford-track\/\">the Milford<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/routeburn-track-information\/\">the Routeburn<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/kepler-track-hiking-guide\/\">the Kepler<\/a>&nbsp;and the Abel Tasman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Showing up at a trailhead with your backpack and high spirits won&#8217;t cut the deal. You will have to make a booking far in advance as&nbsp;<strong>hiking numbers on the Great Walks are very restrictive.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12035190099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exploring_the_magic_of_the_Tongariro_Northern_Circuit_in_New_Zealand\"><\/span>Exploring the magic of the Tongariro Northern Circuit in New Zealand<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-24-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13674\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-24-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-24-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-24-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-24.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Oturere Hut<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12035192899\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_there\"><\/span>How to get there?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The starting point of the Tongariro Northern Circuit is in the&nbsp;<strong>Whakapapa Village<\/strong>&nbsp;located roughly&nbsp;100km (or 1.5 hours) south west of&nbsp;<strong>Taupo<\/strong>, the biggest nearby city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s in Taupo, where I suggest you stock up on all the food and supplies you will need for the trail. Daily shuttles run from Taupo and bring&nbsp;hikers to the start of the trail.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are coming with your own car you can park it somewhere in the Whakapapa village. Make sure you lock it securely and don&#8217;t leave any valuables in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though New Zealand is a very safe place, occasional car robberies do happen, especially on the trailheads for major, and some minor, hikes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12036730199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_make_a_reservation_for_the_Tongariro_Northern_Circuit\"><\/span>How to make a reservation for the Tongariro Northern Circuit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13699\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three backcountry huts offering basic accommodation along the Northern Circuit:&nbsp;<strong>Mangatepopo, Oturere and Waihohonu.<\/strong>&nbsp;You are also welcome to bring your own tent and camp at the designated spots near the huts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Campsites<\/strong>&nbsp;are a lot cheaper and you will be able to avoid snorers in the hut (there is always one), but unfortunately apart from toilets&nbsp;<strong>you won&#8217;t be able to use any other hut facilities<\/strong>, which means you will have to bring your own cooking stove and gas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bookings for campsites&nbsp;and huts are required<\/strong>&nbsp;and can be done online via the&nbsp;<strong>DOC website<\/strong>. The reservation system for the upcoming seasons usually opens around June and the spots are gone within the first few days. If you haven&#8217;t secured your spot in time, you can always hunt for&nbsp;<strong>cancellations as they do occur on a regular basis<\/strong>. I&#8217;ve done it&nbsp;before on the Milford Track.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the season (from October 20th to the 1st of May)&nbsp;<strong>the huts cost 36 NZD per person per night whilst the campsites cost 15 NZD pp\/pn<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the low season bookings are not required, but make sure you come prepared and check for any potential avalanche danger before setting off. The huts during off season are not serviced meaning there won&#8217;t be any gas or wardens. The cost is 15 and 5 NZD\/pp\/pn respectively.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12036837499\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_do_you_need_to_complete_the_Tongariro_Northern_Circuit\"><\/span>How many days do you need to complete the Tongariro Northern Circuit?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-12-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13802\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-12.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The optimal time for the Northern Circuit is&nbsp;<strong>3 days\/2 nights<\/strong>. If you have lots of time to soak in the scenery you can easily add an extra day and stay in all 3 huts along the trail.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s also possible to do it in&nbsp;<strong>2 days\/1 night&nbsp;<\/strong>stopping&nbsp;only at the Oturere hut or campsite,&nbsp;but in this case I would highly recommend shortening your first day and&nbsp;leaving from the&nbsp;<strong>Mangatepopo car park<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can catch a shuttle from the Whakapapa village to Mangatepopo car park. This will take off 9 kilometres from the total distance and will make your first day a lot more enjoyable!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13698\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mount Ngauruhoe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12035202799\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_you_hike_Tongariro_Northern_Circuit_clockwise_or_counter-clockwise\"><\/span>Should you hike Tongariro Northern Circuit clockwise or counter-clockwise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally, I have done the circuit clockwise and I think going clockwise is better due to the fact that you will have the views ahead of you. You&#8217;ll also do the hardest part at the start of the hike when your energy levels will be higher!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out the elevation profile below:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2295.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12035204199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_1_Whakapapa_Village_to_The_Mangatepopo_Hut\"><\/span>Stage 1: Whakapapa Village to The Mangatepopo Hut<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12169\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Volcano Ngauruhoe aka Mount Doom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On the first day it\u2019s only a&nbsp;<strong>9.4km (3 hour)<\/strong>&nbsp;jaunt along a well maintained gravel path where the giant cone of Ngauruhoe and the flatter form of Tongariro are visible ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s an easy day and a great introduction to backcountry hiking. The short first day means an early start is not entirely necessary but bear in mind, the earlier you arrive at the hut the better the choice of bunks&nbsp;you&#8217;ll get!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned previously,&nbsp;<strong>if you are on time constraint you can skip this part<\/strong>&nbsp;of the Tongariro Northern Circuit and you can start at the Mangatepopo car park, tackle the Devil&#8217;s staircase on the first day and stay your first night at the Oturere hut.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12035213099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_2_Mangatepopo_hut_to_the_Oturere_hut\"><\/span>Stage 2: Mangatepopo hut to the Oturere hut<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13804\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13804\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13803\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-14-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13803\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-14-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-14.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12170\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12170\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the hardest day of the circuit. The\u00a0<strong>12,8 km, 5 hour<\/strong>\u00a0day trudges 700m uphill then 500m down. It starts with a steep incline up to the pass between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. From the highest point\u00a0you&#8217;ll be treated to the views of the Red crater and the three Emerald Lakes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This section of the trail is very exposed, so on a warm sunny day make sure you have extra water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Lord Of The Rings fans, Mount Ngauruhoe was chosen as the iconic Mount Doom in the movies. It&#8217;s classical conical shape with steaming peak made it a perfect choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mountain is&nbsp;<strong>sacred to the local Maori population<\/strong>, so before you decide on summiting it, consider whether it&#8217;s appropriate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_3_Oturere_Hut_to_Waihohonu_Hut\"><\/span><a href=\"javascript:\"><\/a>Stage 3: Oturere Hut to Waihohonu Hut<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-23-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13805\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-23-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-23-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-23-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-23.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The start of day 3: The Oturere hut and Mount Ngauruhoe in the background already covered in clouds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>third day<\/strong>&nbsp;is simple one just like the first. It&#8217;s a&nbsp;<strong>7.5km, 3 hour<\/strong>&nbsp;day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The path undulates along a stream clad valley and scree slopes where, to begin with, vegetation is hard to come by, but as you descend, sections of native forest become more prevalent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12035216299\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_4_Waihohonu_Hut_to_Whakapapa_Village\"><\/span>Stage 4: Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa Village<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-26-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13806\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-26-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-26-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-26-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-26.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On the last day the track&nbsp;<strong>follows the Waihohonu stream<\/strong>&nbsp;and gradually climbs to&nbsp;<strong>Tama Saddle<\/strong>. It\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>14km (4 hours)<\/strong>&nbsp;back to Whakapapa Village where you\u2019ll join the same track as you started on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This part of the track isn\u2019t the most visually appealing but it is still quite interesting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12035669099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_tips_to_remember\"><\/span>Important tips to remember<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the circuit is undeniably beautiful, if you are pushed for time in New Zealand then I would suggest the Tongariro Crossing instead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tongariro National Park is one of my favourite <a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/photography-spots-north-island-new-zealand\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"684\">photography spots on the North Island<\/a> because of its unique nature, enchanting mountainous landscape and of course its volcanic activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to include it on your&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/10\/27\/new-zealand-two-week-road-trip-itinerary\/\">road trip itinerary around New Zealand&#8217;s North and South Islands<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those wanting to summit Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro remember that&nbsp;<strong>it is sacred Maori Land<\/strong>&nbsp;and summiting these volcanoes is culturally disrespectful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you have any further questions about the circuit make sure to post them in the comments!&nbsp;I always answer!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Tongariro Northern Circuit a&nbsp;43km loop&nbsp;which circumnavigates an active volcano in&nbsp;New Zealand\u2019s Taupo Volcanic Zone. It&#8217;s a longer version of the&nbsp;famous Tongariro Crossing &#8211; one of New Zealand&#8217;s most walked day hikes.&nbsp;The full circuit also classifies as one of&nbsp;the&nbsp;10&nbsp;Great Walks in New Zealand.&nbsp; The highlights of the Tongariro Northern Circuit overlap&nbsp;majorly&nbsp;with the Tongariro Crossing day &#8230; <a title=\"The Essential Guide To Trekking The Tongariro Northern Circuit in New Zealand\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The Essential Guide To Trekking The Tongariro Northern Circuit in New Zealand\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13700,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-695","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand-hiking-and-backpacking","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/695","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=695"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/695\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20557,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/695\/revisions\/20557"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13700"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=695"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=695"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}