The hype proclaims the Tongariro Crossing to be the best one day hike in New Zealand. It is certainly a very special day out: nowhere else can you experience such otherworldly landscapes, and in a country proliferating in variety scenery-wise, the Tongariro Crossing stands out as extraordinarily diverse.

Tongariro National Park World Heritage Site is a large area (796km2) of central North Island high country. It is volcanic, comprising principally three mountainous peaks, all active volcanoes: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Ruapehu is the highest peak in the North Island and is a truly bulky colossus. There is a spectacular view all the way from Taupo to the north, and on a clear day, from the south the broad summit snows are visible from Foxton, 200km down the Kapiti Coast. Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are to the north of Ruapehu and lie right next to each other. Tongariro has a relatively indistinct, flattish summit which forms the rim of the remarkable South Crater, now an extinct remnant and the oldest feature in this part of the National Park. Ngauruhoe has taken over as the main active vent for the time being and in the last 2500 or so years has periodically thrown out volcanic bombs to create a classic, near perfect volcanic dome.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing threads its way through the high country between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. It is 18km in length and involves a height gain of 750m. For the averagely fit it constitutes a fine day out, usually taking between 7 and 8 hours. This time frame allows for steady plodding up the steeper sections, and time spent amidst the scenery retrieving your jaw from the floor. For the super fit and keen, it is possible in addition to climb both mountain summits; you need to set aside an extra 2½ hours for the climb up Ngauruhoe, and a further 1½ for Mount Tongariro.

Although the Crossing is easily accessible, it should not be underestimated. The entire length of the hike is at or well above 1000m, passing through volcanic terrain which has almost no vegetation. It is extremely exposed to the weather, and is particularly hazardous in windy conditions. Trampers must be prepared. See Department of Conservation website for further information.

The Crossing is a linear walk, starting and finishing in separate, equally remote locations. For this reason trampers invariably choose to utilise the shuttle service, which picks up and drops off at your door. Departures from Ohakune are at 7.30am. Visit Matai Shuttles website for further information, or ask Alan directly; hes one of the drivers.