Where to Camp for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Bases, Shuttles and Weather

The crossing in brief

The track runs from the Mangatepopo car park to the Ketetahi car park, climbing past Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes, with steep sections and loose scree. DOC gives about 19.4 kilometres and a typical time of 6 to 8 hours. It is a long day with no water on the track, and the weather on the volcano changes fast.

The huts and campsites of the Northern Circuit are a different trip. This guide is about the day walk, and the Tongariro Northern Circuit guide covers the multi-day option.

Bases near the crossing

The closest are the holiday parks and campgrounds at Whakapapa Village, National Park Village and Ōhakune, all within 20 to 40 minutes of the start. Tūrangi, at the northern end of Lake Taupō, is about 30 to 40 minutes from the Ketetahi end and has several holiday parks and a good trout river. Taupō is an hour away and has the widest choice of parks and shops.

DOC runs campsites inside Tongariro National Park, some at Whakapapa and others near Ōhakune, which are simple and cheaper than a holiday park. Book ahead from December to March, and for any fine weekend, when the shuttles are full.

Shuttles and parking

Most walkers take a shuttle to the start at Mangatepopo and walk back to a car park at Ketetahi, or leave the van at the finish and take the shuttle to the start. Shuttles run from the villages and from Taupō, need booking in summer, and the first leave early in the morning. Check the times with the operator and DOC.

Car parks at both ends can fill, and break-ins have been a problem, so leave no valuables in the van. The first shuttle may be before breakfast, and a base within a few minutes of the pick-up makes the morning easier.

Weather, volcanic alerts and winter

The crossing is exposed, with strong wind, cold and sudden cloud, and it can close for weather or for volcanic activity. Check DOC's alerts and the forecast the evening before, carry warm layers, a waterproof, water and food, and turn back if the weather turns. Keep a spare day.

In winter, from about May to September, the track is a snow and ice route that needs alpine equipment and skills, and most people go with a guide. The volcanic safety guide explains the alert levels and the hazards near the craters.

A wet day and the Taupō option

If the weather closes the crossing, Taupō is an hour north, with Huka Falls, hot pools and a lake to swim or kayak, and Ōhakune has a carrot statue and cafes. The camping in Taupō guide covers the area, and the wet weather camping guide helps choose a site.

A holiday park with a kitchen and a lounge is the best base for a wet day. On the way from Auckland or Wellington, the town of Taihape and the Desert Road have their own stops, covered in the Auckland to Wellington drive guide.

Using KiwiCamping to pick a base

KiwiCamping, an iPhone app, maps DOC campsites, huts and holiday parks near Tongariro National Park, and you can filter by campervan access and facilities. Set a base and a fallback on a dated trip and read the forecast at each, which settles which day suits the crossing. It leaves out directions and live traffic.

Reservations at DOC sites are made on DOC's booking pages, not in the app. The download is free, with in-app purchases.

Places along the way