If you are looking for a real trip through Middle Earth then a one-day hike through the volcanic badlands of the Tongariro National Park is something not to be missed.
New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site, the Tongariro National Park is rich in both cultural identity and awesome natural scenery. The track takes hikers through a land that time forgot, passing the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is heralded as the best one-day trek available in New Zealand, and it undoubtedly ranks among the top ten single-day treks in the world.
The 19.4-kilometre journey includes steep climbs and the weather is often unpredictable. Prepare for the elements and plan your trip well. Don’t expect to stop for a coffee half way but definitely look forward to some of the best views in the world.