Tongariro Crossing Guided Hike
Located in the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is New Zealand’s best one-day hike. This 20.4km trek takes around 7-8 hours to complete and crosses a spectacular landscape of lava flows, steaming vents and crater lakes. Shaped by volcanic and glacial activity over the last 275,000 years, the crossing offers a unique experience, found nowhere else in New Zealand.
Summer is the best time to see the vivid colours and textures of this mineral rich environment. Winter provides the opportunity to experience a pristine snow-covered landscape. No outdoor experience is necessary and all training is given on the day for a fantastic alpine experience.
Choose your Tongariro Alpine Crossing Tour Option
Book a Tongariro Crossing BASIC if you require the tour only this winter. If you’d like the additional extras or wish to join us outside the winter season, the Tongariro Crossing PREMIUM is for you.
For those seeking a more personalised experience, our exclusive Private Tours can accommodate different fitness levels and avoid weather-exposed sections or crowded areas. Or try our Half-Day Tongariro Crossing Tour — a great introduction to walking in this incredible volcanic landscape.
PREMIUM
Tongariro Crossing
Guided Group Hike
Available all year
Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring
FULLY REFUNDABLE & POSTPONABLE*
- Refundable if Adrift cancels due to poor weather forecasts.
- Refundable if clients cancels 14 days prior to trip date.
Winter equipment included
Crampons, ice axe and helmet if needed
$60 worth of additional boot and clothing hire included
Hire the best with Adrift—our premium LOWA Tibet boots are unmatched for alpine performance. Paired with Grivel G10 crampons, they offer the ultimate in comfort, support, and safety.
Transport
Between the start and end of the walk and the Adrift Tongariro base included
Accommodation transfers an optional extra
Taupo CBD, Turangi, Whakapapa Village
Lunch an optional extra
Interested in a half day tour?
Find out more
PRIVATE
Tongariro Crossing
Exclusive Guided Hike
Surcharge applies for extra people
Available all year
Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring
FULLY REFUNDABLE & POSTPONABLE*
- Refundable if Adrift cancels due to poor weather forecasts.
- Refundable if clients cancels 14 days prior to trip date.
Winter equipment included
Crampons, ice axe and helmet if needed
All additional boot and clothing hire included
Hire the best with Adrift—our premium LOWA Tibet boots are unmatched for alpine performance. Paired with Grivel G10 crampons, they offer the ultimate in comfort, support, and safety.
Transport
Between the start and end of the walk and the Adrift Tongariro base included
Private accommodation transfers an optional extra
Taupo CBD, Turangi, Whakapapa Village
Lunch an optional extra
Interested in a private tour?
Find out more
Trip Status
Customers must check Trip Status updates in our website chatbot after 9:00 am the day before their tour.
Need help?
Phone: +64 7 892 2751 or WhatsApp: +64 274 462 364 (10:00 am – 5:00 pm). Single bookings: please reconfirm 3 days prior.
Risk Disclosure
Each participant is required to fill out a risk disclosure prior to arriving on site. Look out for your unique waiver link in your inbox 3 days before your tour date.
What to expect on the day
After calling to reconfirm the day before your tour, meet the team at the Adrift Tongariro base the morning of the tour at 8:00am in Summer (1 October – 31 March) and 7:00am in winter (1 April – 30 September). Clients can park their vehicle outside the Adrift Tongariro base safely, at no cost for the day. When you arrive, our guides will check everyone in, go over the day’s trip conditions and assess and provide the required equipment, and additional clothing and boots if needed. Once we meet you, you are under our guidance so you can then relax and enjoy the journey with Adrift.
We will then transport you and the guides from the Adrift Tongariro base in National Park Village to the start of the walk, and at the end of the tour we transport you from the end of the walk back to the Adrift Tongariro base in National Park Village. Once you arrive back at our base you then return in your vehicle back to your accommodation.
Adrift Tongariro Base
53 Carroll Street
National Park 3948
Track information
Total distance: 20.4km (12.7 miles)
Elevation gain: 786m (2,578 feet)
Walking time: 7 – 9 hours
Track conditions: Surfaces vary from boardwalks, soil, rocky, loose scoria, steep in places.
The track climbs the Mangatepopo Valley passing Soda Springs to the saddle between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. The steep climb known as the Devil’s staircase takes you to South Crater before climbing again to Red Crater, the highest point on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing at 1886m. You will then descend on loose volcanic scoria rock to the vivid Emerald Lakes and then on to the Blue Lake. Finally zig zag your way down past the Ketetahi Hut through the natural alpine garden finishing with a final 45 minutes cathartic walk through NZ native forest to the end where Adrift Tongariro transport is waiting for you. Visit our Tongariro Crossing map page for more details.
Sacred Mountains
The alpine lakes and peaks of the mountains are sacred to the local Māori tribe Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro. Respectfully, they ask that peaks are not climbed and waterways are not to be touched. Additionally we like to show our respect by ensuring we leave no trace, and even helping the environment by retrieving wrappers from those who have gone before us.
Yes, we guide in Winter
Winter offers the opportunity to walk through the magnificent snow-covered landscape without the summer crowds. The winter season is based on snow levels on the track and is usually between April to the end of October / mid September.
Winter brings a new set of challenges including changes in weather and track conditions. These changes require more preparation, skills, winter equipment and the need for a guide. Check out our Winter Tongariro Crossing Guide for more details.
More Guided Tours from Adrift
Private Tama Lakes Guided Hike
A fantastic alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for those seeking a slightly shorter, less challenging, but equally scenic adventure with stunning views of the Lower and Upper Tama Lakes.
Half Day Tongariro Alpine
Guided Hike
Ideal if time is limited or you are unable to spend the whole day walking the Tongariro Crossing. Start on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track and walk amongst the volcanoes up to the Soda Springs.
Mt Ruapehu Summit Plateau
Guided Hike
Looking for a challenge? Join us for lunch on top of the North Islands highest volcano. As you climb above the clouds you’ll see sweeping views of Tongariro National Park.