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Weather in Tongariro
Alpine crossing past volcanic craters and turquoise lakes
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About Tongariro
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses volcanic moonscape, passing turquoise crater lakes and red volcanic cones on what many call the world's finest one-day hike. Mount Tongariro's three peaks pierce the sky, and Lord of the Rings filmed here.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Tongariro
Hike the Alpine Crossing
Climb Mount Ngauruhoe
Soak in thermal pools nearby
Mountain bike forest trails
Camp at Whakapapanui
Explore volcanic features
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
17C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
February
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
March
15C
Cool, with some rainy days.
April
12C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
May
9C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
June
7C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
July
6C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
August
6C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
September
8C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
October
10C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
November
13C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
December
15C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
Tongariro National Park's three volcanic peaks rise abruptly from the central North Island plateau, their otherworldly slopes of red craters, emerald lakes and steaming vents made famous as the backdrop to Mordor in The Lord of the Rings. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is widely regarded as one of the best one-day hikes in the world, traversing the saddle between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro itself.
Best areas to stay in Tongariro
Whakapapa Village
The main base on the mountain's northwestern side, with accommodation, a visitor centre and access to shorter walks.
Mangatepopo
The usual starting point for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, reached by shuttle.
Ketetahi
The usual finishing point of the Alpine Crossing, with shuttle pickups back to Whakapapa or National Park Village.
National Park Village
A small settlement on the park's western edge, popular as an alternative base with shuttle connections.
Getting to Tongariro
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Flights
Fly into Auckland or Wellington, then drive around 3.5-4.5 hours to the Tongariro area.
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From London
~26-30 hours from London including connections and the drive.
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Getting around
Shuttle services run between accommodation and the Alpine Crossing trailheads; a hire car is useful for reaching the wider area.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
A roughly 19.4km one-way day hike across the volcanic saddle, taking 6-8 hours and passing the Emerald Lakes, Red Crater and South Crater.
What is the best time to do the crossing?
November to April offers the most reliable conditions, though the route can close due to weather or volcanic activity at any time of year, so checking conditions beforehand is essential.
Do I need transport for the crossing?
Yes — since it's a one-way track, most walkers use a shuttle service that drops them at one end and collects them at the other.
Is the crossing suitable for beginners?
It's a long, exposed day with significant elevation change, so reasonable fitness and proper gear (including layers for sudden weather changes) are needed even for otherwise inexperienced walkers.
Is this the Mordor from Lord of the Rings?
Mount Ngauruhoe was used as the model and filming location for Mount Doom, and the surrounding volcanic landscape is widely associated with the films.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The Alpine Crossing was tough but absolutely worth it — the Emerald Lakes against the red volcanic rock looked almost unreal.
Archie L. · February 2024
★★★★☆
Booked a shuttle for the crossing which made logistics simple. Weather changed quickly near the summit so glad we packed extra layers.
Hana M. · December 2023
★★★★★
Spotted Mount Ngauruhoe and immediately recognised it from the films. The whole landscape feels genuinely volcanic and alive.
Dylan F. · March 2024
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