tongariro alpine crossing tour

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

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New Zealand's Premium 1 Day Trek

Trek across a volcanic landscape of dramatic landscapes.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is heralded as the best one-day trek in New Zealand and is regarded as among the top ten single-day treks in the world.

Many who complete the 19.4 km (12 mile) journey will tell you the climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable, though worth it in every aspect. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located in the Tongariro National Park  - New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tongariro National Park is rich in both cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery. Unique landforms, including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu ensure the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered a world-renowned trek.

Plan Your Trip

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging, yet rewarding, 19.4 km (12 mile) hike across an active volcanic landscape. Be prepared for your day with this advice.

With limited parking near to the access points for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the best way to get to and from the hike is with a shuttle. Here's how to arrange your Tongariro Alpine Crossing transport.

Guided Trips

A guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing trip is a great way to get more from this incredible experience with confidence - and is essential in the colder months. Find a guide here.

Where To Stay

Find a place to stay for your Tongariro Alpine Crossing adventure here.

Alternative Hikes & Activities

If the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not for you, here are some great alternative hikes and things to do in and around the Tongariro National Park.

Find the answers to all the essential questions about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

What to expect from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Although beautiful, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, can be dangerous if you are not fully prepared to enter an alpine environment. Extreme weather, terrain and distance have resulted in this track having the highest number of search and rescues for hikers in New Zealand.

The video below, produced by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, takes you through the entire track and shows you how to prepare for a successful day out so that you make it home safely.

A glimpse of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Catch a glimpse of what to expect on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in this collection of images

Welcome to Tongariro Guided Walks

Tongariro Guided Walks - Guided Hiking, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Tongariro Guided Walks offers quality guided walking experiences on tracks in and around the Tongariro National Park, Aotearoa New Zealand's very first World Heritage site.

From April 2021 Tongariro Guided Walks has become a part of Adventure Outdoors Tongariro.  Terry, the original owner of TGW enjoyed growing the the business and is happy that his long time friend, Sarah Cate is now at the helm of Tongariro Guided Walks.

Still specialising in small groups and Private tours, our knowledgeable, caring guides can also manage large groups in a way that makes each person, on every trip, feel that they have gained insights into the landscape, its people and its history.  We have your comfort and safety in mind.

The tragic eruption that occurred on Whakaari/White Island on Monday 9 December 2019 has not had any affect on any of the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.  These continue to be monitored by the appropriate Government Agencies.  There is always some degree of volcanic risk, but we heed the advice found at https://www.geonet.org.nz/volcano.

Tongariro Guided Walks (formerly known as Walking Places) has operated as a premium guided walking provider since 2004.  Terry Blumhardt, original Owner and Head Guide has changed direction in his career, so hands over to Adventure Outdoors, safe in the knowledge that the ethos of a carefully chosen team, who provide exceptional guided hiking tours will continue to guide on numerous tracks, including the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing in both Summer and Winter.

Walks & Tours

We have different tours to suit you - from the must-do Tongariro Crossing to shorter walks and less well known walks

Our Location

Tongariro Guided Walks aims to make your day as easy as possible. We often pick our clients up directly from their accommodation.

Here are some of our images of the fantastic places we could introduce you to.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park & the Tongariro Crossing

You’ve probably seen and heard of this region long before you’ll get to step foot in it. If you’ve seen the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, you may be familiar with some of this volcanic landscape especially the mountain that depicts Mt Doom. And if you’re someone who likes to take long strolls across an active volcano past steaming vents, across vast ridges, alongside bright crater lakes and down moonscape valleys, you’ll be aware that the Tongariro Crossing is regarded as one of the world’s best one day walks.

our first national park

This region that encompasses three active volcanoes was established in 1894 as New Zealand’s first National Park – which is probably why it’s sometimes referred to it simply as ‘National Park’. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dual status that recognises not only the outstanding landscape, but also the spiritual and cultural significance the landscape holds for the local Māori people and it also holds.

Mountain bikers and climbers flock to this area in summer for some challenging climbs. From late June to early November, the North Island skiers and snowboarders dash down the snowy slopes of Mount Ruapehu’s three ski fields which are serviced by the small town of Ohakune (also famed for a giant carrot – yes, it’s a thing).

FIVE MIGHTY MOUNTAINS – THREE ACTIVE VOLCANOES

Tongariro National Park is centered around five volcanoes, three of which are active, but don’t worry, they are constantly monitored and we will not go near them if there is an active risk. At 2797 metres, Ruapehu is the tallest of the mountains in this area and also one of the world’s most active volcanoes – having last erupted in 2007. Its frequent rumblings are reflected in its name which means 'pit of sound' in Māori. The mountain has eight permanent glaciers and small snowfields at the summit even in summer.

eruptions galore

Mount Tongariro is the northernmost and lowest peak in the park (1967m) and in 2012 the craters on its northern slopes erupted – closing down part of the hiking track for a few months. Northeast of Mt Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe (2287m) is the youngest volcano and its steep symmetrical cone rises out of a stark landscape. It’s considered active even though its last eruption was in 1977.

The two northernmost volcanoes (Pihanga and the Kakaramea-Tihia Massif) are dormant – having last erupted 200,000 years ago. Māori legend has it that the three active volcanoes were strong warriors who fought amongst each other for the female affections of Pihanga, thereby creating the dramatic landscape you see today.

THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

Justifiably known as one of the world’s best day-hikes, the Tongariro Crossing is like a rite of passage for many Kiwis and international visitors.

It’s a 19.4km trek up-crater and down-crater over layers of ancient lava flows while being rewarded with astonishing views of volcanic peaks, red Mars-like craters and the emerald and blue lakes. The hike which rises to an altitude of 1120m is challenging but doable within seven to eight hours for most people with reasonable fitness.

tongariro on tour

If you’re on a Haka tour with us, we’ll organise everything for your Tongariro Crossing hike add-on , whether you are interested in Tongariro Crossing tours or hiking it unguided. If you stay at our Haka Lodge in Taupō , our amazing lodge staff will give you heaps of advice and book your shuttle transport to and from the crossing in advance.

The weather can change dramatically and quickly in this region, so prepare for encountering all conditions with adequate warm clothing layers, sunscreen, good footwear, energy-giving snacks and thirst-quenching water. The Crossing is part of the multi-day Tongariro Northern Circuit, which passes over Mt Tongariro and around Mt Ngāuruhoe and is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

TONGARIRO STARS AS LORD OF THE RINGS LOCATIONS

When travelling the rugged Tongariro landscapes, Lord of the Rings fans may get flashbacks to the Peter Jackson films as this region is the cinematic double for the menacing Mordor and surrounding lands. Tolkien's motley crew of hobbits, elves, wizards, and other armed fellows roamed this land in the hopes of throwing the one ring into the fiery depths of Mount Doom (a.k.a Mount Ngauruhoe).

As well as Mordor and Mt Doom, Tongariro National Park features in scenes depicting the jagged rocks of Emyn Muil and Black Gate. Two of Gollum’s fishing spots are also to be found here: the beautiful Tawhai Falls and the magnificent Mangawhero Falls that tumble over the edge of ancient lava flow –“the rock and pool, is nice and cool.”. (Visit the statue of Gollum fishing in Matamata to complete your Gollum pilgrimage!). As some of the alpine desert flora within Tongariro National Park is so unique, Peter Jackson’s film crew placed down boardwalks and matting to help conserve the vegetation and wildlife. And, out of respect to the local Māori, the movie makers avoided capturing any footage of the mountain summits which are considered sacred to Māori.

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• Premium Tongariro Alpine Crossing

19kms: About 7-8 hours hiking

Pricing From $395

Difficulty 3

The Premium Tongariro Alpine Crossing Full Day Guided Walk is New Zealand’s best day walk that takes you on a 19km-journey across the otherworldly Tongariro landscape. Climbing to the saddle between Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngauruhoe, the track then veers off to Mt. Tongariro. Contrary to appearances, Mt. Tongariro is not a single volcano but a network of craters that have seen activity at different periods. The stark landscape of Tongariro is punctuated with different coloured craters of varying shapes, mountain springs, scoured volcanic rocks, and vividly coloured emerald lakes. Summer showcases the majestic landscape formed from recent volcanic activity. Different textures and colours emerge from the accumulation of aluminium, sulfur, silica and a variety of mineral deposits emitted from within the Earth’s crust. Knowing this breathtaking array of colours attracts hordes of hikers, we steer you away from the crowd while ensuring you still experience the most popular sights. You may also choose to go on much quieter times even in summer by joining our Sunrise departure trip. We adjust the timing of the walk so you are on the summit of the Red Crater just in time to watch the rising sun cast magical lighting over the landscape and absorb the stillness of the dawn.

Tour Grading: C

A reasonable level of fitness and agility is required for this guided walk. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a strenuous hike of 7-8 hours, with a climb and descent of around 1000 metres through an alpine environment.  Walkers need to carry a daypack containing drinking water, raincoat and warm clothing. Track surfaces vary from well-formed paths to rough terrain of rocks and loose scree.

Difficulty: 3

Start: National Park or Whakapapa Village (8am)

Finish: National Park or Whakapapa Village (5pm)

• Price includes guide/s
• Winter equipment (crampons, ice axe, and helmet if needed)
• Additional boot and clothing hire worth $40
• return transport for Whakapapa or National Park

26 September - 31 March  NZ$325

1 April - Onwards  NZ$395

Winter on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Emerald Lakes

Mt Ngauruhoe in winter

Emerald Lake in summer

Approx 8am pick-up from your Whakapapa or  National Park accommodation . 20 minute drive to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Famously known as the world's best walk, the Crossing is a challenging 7-8 hour hike through a rugged and exposed alpine environment. The track runs through the Mangatepopo Valley (900m) to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains. Two steep climbs lead to Red Crater (1886m), then a scree slope drops down to the vivid Emerald Lakes. After passing the Green and Blue lakes the track then sidles around the northern slope of Mount Tongariro, before the long descent of switch-backs and many steps to the end (600m). Your transport awaits you at the end of the track, with a well-deserved snack and cool drink.

Approx 4pm return to your National Park or Whakapapa Village accommodation. Our professional, all-inclusive service make this the easiest, most convenient and rewarding way to experience this life-altering hike. Caring and friendly guides will ensure you walk at a relaxed pace, so you can relish the jaw-dropping views, spectacular geology & frequent refreshment breaks. Your guide carry's a first aid kit, communications, safety equipment and extra refreshments so you don't have to.

Please call our office the evening before your walk.

Due to the exposed alpine environment and erratic weather systems, the Tongariro Crossing is often too hazardous to walk; therefore it is essential you contact the office between 2 and 6pm the evening before your walk to confirm if the trip is going ahead. If we deem the conditions are unsafe to undertake the Tongariro Crossing, you will be offered an alternative guided walk.

Guide/s, return transfers from the National Park base, lunch, all equipment required, footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need up to a $40 free allowance ($10 per item).

Transfers: Pick up / Drop off

Tour starts and finishes at the National Park Base.

National Park Base: Pick up 8:00am / Drop off 5:30pm

Whakapapa Village: Pick up 8:30am / Drop off 5:30pm

Turangi: Pick up 7:15am / Drop off 5:45pm

Ohakune: Pick up 7:30am / Drop off 6:00pm

Taupo CBD: Pick up 6:30am / Drop off 6:30pm

National Park Base: Pick up 7:00am / Drop off 5:30pm

Turangi: Pick up 6:40am / Drop off 6:00pm

Taupo CBD: Pick up 6:00am / Drop off 6:30pm

All times are approximate Summer 1 October - 30 April, Winter 1 May - 30 September

• Return transfers from the National Park base (53 Carroll St, National Park Village) are included in the price. 
• All other transfers an additional charge applies. 
• We do not offer Whakapapa Village and Ohakune transfers in winter.
• All transfers require a minimum of 2 people.

Water (1-2 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots/shoes, walking trousers, 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat.

Water (1-1.5 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots, thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers, 3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat, Warm hat and gloves.

Gear For Hire

Our base has available for hire equipment, footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need including boots, socks, thermal longs, fleece longs, waterproof pants, thermal tops, fleece tops, waterproof tops, warm gloves, warm hats, sun hats, sunglasses, backpacks and walking poles.

Enquire Now!

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing -

Guided Walks - Tongariro National Park (All Tours are inclusive of clothing, hiking boots, door to door shuttle from National Park or Whakapapa Village) Online - Bookings Essential - Small groups, Exceptional guides, Door to door service from National Park Village. Alpine Clothing & Equipment included on all tours. No additional fees! Full refunds provided if the weather is not suitable, flexible booking dates available. - Adventure Outdoors Tongariro - National Park Village Dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

Development & Team Building

From your environment into ours - Hike Bike Paddle / Eat Laugh Relax Custom Packages – Half Day / Full Day / Overnight & Camping Get your team together for an action packed day or more of adventure to incorporate - Development Education & growth. Operating in & around the Tongariro National Park We offer more than just the standard. Work with us to design a package to suit your Team. Tours are priced & quoted direct. Choose your level of Adventure - Shorter Walks / Gentle Rivers Or a good step up with thrills and spills, Let us know: We will work with you.

Visit Tongariro - Guided Walks / Scenic Highlights

Experience New Zealand's Best one day walk - Guided with Adventure Outdoors Tongariro Guiding. Ruapehu / Tongariro National Park - Quality Service / Exceptional Guides Small Groups - Private Guided Tours - Personalized service Door to Door from - National Park & Whakapapa Village All Equipment & Gear supplied Experience breath-taking views and unique landscapes; Tours are relaxed pace with flexible time schedules to suit your schedule, the weather & avoid the crowds. Tongariro Crossing Shuttles Available also, Operates daily weather & safe conditions dependent. Pre-Dawn Shuttle Take our earliest shuttle to the Crossing of Tongariro Safety Audit approved through Outdoors New Zealand (Outdoors Mark) AAO 423

Adventure Outdoors Tongariro

Adventure Outdoors proudly offer exceptional guiding, personalized tours All year round. Join us for an adventure your sure to remember as the highlight of your NZ vacation . . .

Tongariro Guided Walks

Private & Group Guided Tours All Year round. Small Groups / Quality Guides / Exceptional service. Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park

Rafting & Kayaking

Rafting / Kayaking - Whakapapa River Paddle the scenic Whanganui River & Whakapapa River using New Zealand made 2 person inflatable kayaks Ideal for Corporate Team Building / Schools & Groups

Schools & Groups

Safety Management & Activity Provider Schools & Groups Adventure Training / Team Building

NZ Adventure At its Best !

"Most rewarding experience I've ever achieved. Not only are the views incredible but the climb, willpower and mental realisations of this adventure made the experience even better."

Call Us Today We’d love to hear from you 0800 386 925 We can change dates Check the weather Help your travel plans. Adventure Outdoors Tongariro Guiding.

Cancellation Policy –

Refund policy: There will be no refund given if a participant fails to turn up for a confirmed booking or if a cancellation is submitted to Adventure Outdoors Ltd within 24 hours of tour departure time.

A 50% cancellation fee apply’s if the cancellation is submitted 2-7 days prior to tour departure time.

We recommend our participants have travel insurance.

Full Refund – If the weather is unsuitable & Adventure Outdoors Ltd cancel your tour a full refund will be provided. If the weather is marginal we will give you the right to cancel or change dates If you decide to cancel in this case a full refund will be given.

In adverse or changeable weather – If we go ahead with the tour and you join the tour  You accept that the tour may not complete the whole of the activity if changeable weather and/or adverse conditions develop & effect the safety of Adventure Outdoors Staff and / or its participants. In this case you still pay full price You will not be refunded.

SAFETY POLICY – If you participate in a tour and are unable to complete the tour due to lack of fitness / ability / a medical condition / or you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol which may put yourself, our staff and our participants in danger we have the right to withdraw any person who in our opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others. We reserve the right to change plans and/or cancel your program  if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of any person in our care. No refund will be given in this situation.

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Email: [email protected]

Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing

• New Zealand Hiking & Walking Tours

Tour Overview

Day by Day Itinerary

Fancy a Walk on the Moon?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often referred to as one of the best day walks in the world. It winds its way through the otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park. This unique (almost lunar) environment makes it the perfect setting for a hiking adventure.

Highlights Include: View stunning volcanic landscapes with twisted lava formations, volcanic steam vents. Vast craters, active volcanoes, boiling lakes, barren desert, lush forest, crystal-clear mountain streams, steaming geysers and emerald green lakes.

There is one guide per 8 walkers. A usual guided Tongariro Crossing will take  7 to 7.5 hours 

Trip is available daily on demand from late October through May

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How to Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: A Complete Guide

Want to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park? Understandable, considering it’s on countless “best day hikes in the world” lists. When we got back from our New Zealand North Island road trip , most of our friends and family asked some version of “what was your favorite part of the trip” and, invariably, our answer was the day we spent hiking along the base of an active volcano. 

Is it the best day hike in the world? Probably not. But it is absolutely worth a day of your time because it’s not every day that you get to hike along the slopes of a volcano in a national park that has been designated a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site (for both natural and cultural reasons). 

The thing that you should know (and the reason we don’t think this hike is at the top of the list of best hikes in the world) is that the entirety of the best parts of the hike happen in the first half. The second half is a long downhill slog that features some good views, but is missing that “WOW” factor.

We’re writing this guide literally hours after hiking the Crossing, while everything about the experience is still fresh so that we can give you a comprehensive guide that leaves you prepared for all aspects of this hike (including the somewhat painful logistics). 

In this guide, we’re going to do our best to give you a comprehensive guide to hiking this incredible hike in Tongariro National Park. We’ll cover the important trail details, including the route and start and end points of the hike, along with important logistics and things to know before you hike.

Here is what we’re going to cover: 

• The key logistics you need to know – like how difficult the hike is and what to be prepared for, how to arrange a shuttle (and how to decide which service is the best choice for you), and some things to know before you hit the trail.
• What to do if you don’t want to take the shuttle (spoiler: you can’t really do this hike without the shuttle).
• An in-depth overview (call it a play-by-play) of the trail based on our own experience to give you a rough idea of what you’re getting yourself into.

Our intention here is that, by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to be prepared to tackle the Crossing safely and confidently. 

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Trail Details

• Length : 19.4 km / 12.1 miles
• Elevation Gain : 2,765 feet
• Trail Type : Point-to-point (you NEED a shuttle!)
• Difficulty : Hard
• Trailhead Location : Mangatepopo Trailhead
• Dog Friendly ? No

How Difficult is the This Hike?

In all honesty, we thought this hike would be harder. Still, the distance and terrain put this hike firmly in the “difficult” category. 

However, provided you’re prepared physically and have the right equipment (sturdy footwear, sun protection, rain gear, snacks, and water), you should be able to complete this hike. It just might take you a while (we took almost exactly six hours, with a long lunch break and plenty of photo stops along the way). 

All that being said, we definitely do not want you to underestimate this hike. 

This hike crosses alpine terrain, which means the conditions can change almost instantaneously, which we experienced first hand when our beautiful sunny morning turned into a cold, windy, foggy mid-morning at the high point on the hike. 

The other thing to know is that the terrain along the course of this track can be difficult, from long staircases (aptly named “Devils Staircase”), to narrow rocky climbs, to sections of trail that are, essentially, a pile of scree that you’re either climbing or descending. 

We saw many people struggling with their footing on the descent from the Red Crater past Emerald Lake, and we would absolutely recommend hiking shoes or, even better, high top hiking boots with ankle support for this hike. 

Trekking poles would also be helpful, and we’re glad we brought ours along to New Zealand. 

We saw people setting out from the parking lot at Mangatepopo with jeans and tote bags, and we are truly curious how their day went because this is NOT that kind of hike. 

The Route for the Hiking the Crossing

This hike is a point-to-point hike, meaning you start at one parking lot and hike one-way to another. Which means you need to arrange transportation to get between the two trailheads, and you need to arrange it BEFORE you start hiking (ideally, several days before). 

This is complicated by the fact that there is a four hour restriction at the parking lots on either end of this hike. We’re fast hikers, and it took us six hours to tackle this trail. We don’t think there are more than a handful of people in the world who could do it in four.  

The most common way to solve this problem is by hiring one of the many local shuttle services, which allow you to park at a parking lot near the end of the trail, and shuttle you to the starting point. We have a whole section on this below with more detailed information.

Anyway, back to the route itself. 

Like we mentioned, this is a one way hike starting at the Mangatepopo car park and ending at the Ketetahi car park. 

The reason you should do it in this particular direction is that the Mangatepopo Trailhead is about 350 meters (1,000 feet, ish) higher than the ending point, which means you’re doing more downhill hiking if you do it this way. 

We also have a trail guide below, with far, far more detail on each of these sections, including all sorts of pictures. This is meant to be an overview of the route. 

You’ll start at the Mangatepopo Trailhead and begin a gentle ascent through a landscape littered with tussocks, with a great view of Mount Ngauruhoe as you start to climb. 

From there, the real fun begins (and by real fun, we mean the real climbing). You’ll ascend the steep stairs known as Devil’s Staircase to get up to the base of Mount Ngauruhoe, where you’ll cross a very flat section skirting the northern slopes of the mountain (which, for fellow Lord of the Rings fans, is Mount Doom in the films). 

At the far end of that crater is the second of the two tough climbs, which takes you up to the highest point on the hike looking down at the Red Crater. 

From here, it’s almost entirely downhill for the rest of the hike. You’ll descend past a couple of alpine lakes and lava vents, which smell strongly of sulfur, and then cross another big open crater that is mostly flat, which brings you to Blue Lake (an excellent lunch spot). 

From here, the descent begins. You’ll start on an open section hugging the hillside with excellent views out over Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupō in the distance. 

Then, the real slog begins. The last third of this hike is a relentless downhill section, starting with lazy switchbacks criss-crossing the mountainside, turning into multiple staircases to descend, and ending with an, all things considered, pretty nice easy meander through a moss-covered forest. 

You’ll emerge from the forest at the Ketetahi Car Park, where you’ll either stop to catch the shuttle (if you booked a roundtrip shuttle) or continue down the road to the parking lot for the one-way shuttle companies. 

Arranging a Shuttle to Get to the Mangatepopo Trailhead

The most complicated part of this hike is easily the shuttle (although, once you figure out what you want, it’s not actually that complicated). 

Here’s what you need to know about choosing which shuttle service to book. 

There are many, many options in terms of shuttle companies and also in terms of shuttle pick up / drop off points. 

You should know that as of summer 2024 (January), there really is no viable way to do this hike without a shuttle. More on that below. 

Essentially, we would categorize the options into two general buckets:

• The one-way shuttle: Park your car at a designated parking area near the end of the hike (there is a big car park along Highway 46 that multiple companies share) and get shuttled to the starting point for the hike. Complete the hike, get in your car, and drive home!
• The round trip shuttle: Get picked up and dropped off from a designated area, either in a town near the park (like National Park, Turangi, or even Taupō), or even at your accommodations (depending on which company you choose). Easy and convenient, but less flexible.

The decision for your particular situation comes down to a few factors: 

• Where you’re staying. If you’re staying near one of the round trip pickup points, that might be the best option so you don’t have to drive to the trailhead early in the morning (you can use that extra time to get a few minutes of extra sleep).
• Whether you have a car or not. If you don’t have a car, you don’t have to worry about parking! However, you do need a shuttle to get you to and from the trailhead, and it’ll have to be a round trip shuttle. 
• How fast you hike. If you book a round trip shuttle, you have a set pickup time at the end of the hike, which is typically something like 7-8 hours after the drop off. Which could leave you either hustling downhill near the end to try to make the shuttle time, or sitting at the end for an hour or two after you’ve already spent six hours in the intense New Zealand sun. Neither is ideal. 

Overall, we’d recommend choosing the one way shuttle where you park at the end of the hike (really, 900m down the road from the end point) and get a shuttle back to the trailhead to start. 

That’s what we did – with Backyard Tours , which was great – and we’d do it again in a heartbeat for a couple of reasons. 

The main reason is that this gives you the most flexibility on the trail in terms of timing . Instead of hiking with a pickup time in mind, you can take your time on the trail (or, in the reverse scenario, you won’t have to sit at the end point waiting for a pickup after hiking 20 km). 

The secondary benefit of the one way option is that, during peak season, it offers a 6am pickup time, which means that you will be among the first people on the trail . Yes, it’s early. But it’s well worth it! 

Expect to pay around $60 NZD per person for any shuttle service (though it varies by operator and itinerary – e.g. if you’re getting a shuttle from National Park, it’s going to be cheaper because it’s so close to the start of the trail). 

What if You Don’t Want to Take the Shuttle?

On the descent, we were chatting with a fellow hiker (hello, Robin from Grenoble!) about how exactly you would do this hike without a shuttle. 

The short answer is, given the four hour parking restriction at the trailheads on either end of the hike, we’re not really sure how you could feasibly do this trail without the shuttle. 

You may think that you can do an out-and-back from either trailhead in four hours. The fact is, if you’re going all the way from the Mangatepopo Trailhead up to Emerald Lake, you probably can’t. It’s roughly 17km and a lot of climbing (somewhere around 1,000 meters of elevation gain). 

You might then say “well, maybe we’ll just risk it and hope the rangers don’t catch us.” This is one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, and rangers are at the trailhead all day long. They will catch you and either ticket you or boot your car. 

The only way we could come up with was hiking out-and-back from the bottom, where you can technically park along the road in very specific and limited sections. 

However, this is a HARD hike and a solid 10 to 11 kilometers of slogging uphill before you get any rewards (and then you have to come back down). Not to mention the fact that you’re hiking from the lower elevation end of the trail, so it’s more uphill. 

So, given the fact that hiking the entire Crossing without a shuttle isn’t really feasible, we’d instead recommend heading up to Whakapapa Village to hike the Tama Lakes Track , which we’d say is a close second in terms of our favorite hike in the park. 

If your shuttle is canceled due to conditions – which happens fairly often (it happened the day before we did the Crossing), then we’d also recommend that hike as a solid alternative with similar scenery. 

Things to Know Before Your Hike

Here are a few things we think you should know before you tackle this hike. 

You need to book a permit with the D.O.C. in advance. Now, this is not enforced in summer of 2024, but there is talk of enforcing this rule later in the year to limit the number of people tackling the Crossing. Your shuttle operator will also ask you for your booking number, so you’ll want to make sure you have it done. It’s free, it takes two minutes, and you can make your booking here . 

There is very little shade on this trail. Except for the last two kilometers or so, which is forested. But for the vast majority of this hike, you are fully exposed to all the elements, including sun. Remember that the sun is particularly intense in New Zealand, so you’re going to want to apply and reapply sunscreen on this hike. We tend to like hiking in long sleeves and long pants to cover up, even when it’s really hot out. Also, sunglasses – especially polarized ones – will be your friend here. 

You need plenty of water, because there is no potable water on this trail. Given the exposure and the distance covered here, you need to bring about 2L of water per person. Yes, that sounds like a lot. Yes, on a hot summer day, you will drink it. We carried 2L each and had finished it by the time we got about halfway through the descent portion (so 75% of the way down). 

Be prepared to get wet. As you can see from our pictures, we had great weather on the trail as we made our way up to the high point on the crossing, just above the Red Crater. From there, the clouds and fog rolled in for about an hour, obscuring the crater and lakes from view and blasting our sweaty bodies with a very cold wind blowing across the ridge. Then, on the way down, it rained on us. The point is that weather can change quickly, and you want to be prepared for multiple seasons in the same day. 

There are toilets along the trail. You have multiple drop toilets along this trail, including a set at the trailhead, within the first kilometer at the Mangatepopo Hut, right before Devil’s Staircase, at the top of Devil’s Staircase, immediately before the descent begins after Blue Lake, and halfway down the descent. You should be prepared with your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, because these toilets have neither. Oh, and given the fragile terrain you’re traversing here (and the fact that there’s basically no cover), only go to the bathroom in the toilets. 

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing: A Complete Trail Guide

In this section, we’re going to go through the hike from beginning to end so that you know what to expect when you hit the trail. 

For each section, we’ll give you the (rough) distance and elevation gained in that portion of the hike, along with a relatively short description of the terrain, calling out anything that we think might be useful to know (e.g. there’s a steep section with some scrambling, there’s a toilet, etc). 

It’s worth noting that, because this hike descends more than it climbs (the trailhead is higher than the endpoint), the elevation numbers for each section look a bit funky. Take them as directional.

The Initial Ascent to Soda Springs

Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles) // Elevation Gain: 275 meters (900 feet)

The first section of this hike starts out at the Mangatepopo Trailhead, where there are bathrooms and all the trail information signage you could want. 

At a high level, the ascent from the trailhead to the high point on the hike can be broken into three distinct sections (which is what we’ve done in this guide). The second two sections – Devil’s Staircase and the climb to the high point above Red Crater – are, by far, the most difficult parts of the hike. 

Which one is more difficult is debatable, and largely depends on your preferences (e.g. stairs versus steep, slippery rock). 

It is undeniable that this first section is the easiest of the first three. This section of trail is a relatively gentle climb, and will get your blood pumping and muscles warmed up for the main event(s) to come.

Think of it this way – it’s hard enough to get you warm enough to shed your layers, but shouldn’t be hard enough to have you saying “what have I gotten myself into?” 

Immediately as you leave the trailhead, you’re met with a view of Mount Ngauruhoe, which is just a taste of what’s ahead of you on this hike. 

As you make your way up the trail, the symmetrical cone shape of Mount Ngauruhoe starts to peek out from behind the ridgeline, and fairly quickly you round a corner and find yourself face to face with the volcano in all its glory, from its base (surrounded by dried lava flow) to its peak. 

The end of this section takes you along a boardwalk through a swamp. On the left is a ridgeline and a babbling brook (fed by Soda Springs, the end of this section of trail) with a fair amount of greenery.

On your right is a much more desolate landscape at the base of Mount Doom, with lava fields coming into view at the end of this stretch. Very cool, and a very unique landscape to hike through. 

Climbing Devil’s Staircase to the Base of Mount Ngauruhoe

Distance: 2.9 km (1.8 miles) // Elevation Gain: 290 meters (900 feet)

Immediately after the short detour to Soda Springs off to the left the real fun begins. Like we mentioned above, it’s debatable whether this is the hardest section or the short but intense climb to the Red Crater is, but either way this part of the hike is hard. 

As you might have guessed, this section is marked by a seemingly never ending set of stairs. 

We say never ending because there were four separate instances where we thought we were about to arrive at a saddle or summit marking the end of the climb, only to realize it was another false summit, and the pain would continue for a little while longer. 

After the first few sets of stairs, there are a set of toilets off to your right. Then it’s essentially straight up for the next two kilometers or so (just over a mile). You’ll climb a hair over 300 meters over that distance, which is no joke. 

However, we have some good news about this section. 

Chances are, if you’re like us, you’ll be taking plenty of breaks as you climb. And the views behind you are spectacular, especially if it’s a clear day and you can see the peak of Mount Taranaki (we could, but we couldn’t get a good picture of it). 

Take it slow, take plenty of breaks, and soak up those excellent views (though there are more spectacular views to come, we’d argue). 

At the top of the climb (after four false summits or so), you’ll finally crest the hill, and the trail levels out and brings you into a valley and a (blissfully) flat trail. 

There is another set of toilets on your left shortly after it levels out. A good spot for a break, some water, and a reapplication of sunscreen. 

As you enter the crater here – it’s not a crater in the usual sense of the word, meaning it wasn’t created by an impact from the volcanoes – you’re right at the base of Mount Ngauruhoe, and you’ll have some pretty impressive views of the volcano from right at its base. 

At the far end of this valley, you’ll come to the base of a ridge and see the trail climbing aggressively up and to the left to the top of that ridgeline (which, SPOILER ALERT, is another false summit).

This marks the end of this second section of the ascent, and the beginning of the climb to the highest point on the hike. 

Ascending the Ridge to Red Crater

Distance: 1 km (0.6 miles) // Elevation Gain: 185 meters (600 feet)

The highest point on this trail is at the end of this section, and it’s a relatively short but intense climb to reach it.

This section is only a kilometer long, but it’s a kilometer that climbs about 200 meters in total, most of it on a barely maintained track full of loose and/or slippery rocks. It’s steep, but it’s short. 

And, once again, the good news is that the views from atop the ridgeline back towards the volcano and out over the valleys on either side of the ridge are spectacular. 

Though, we didn’t get to enjoy the views from the very top of the ridge because the dense fog rolled in and made it so that we couldn’t even see the Red Crater, let alone the valleys beyond. 

The one thing to know about this section is that you will likely get all hot and bothered during the intense climb only to be hit with strong gusts of cold wind that rip across that ridge. Layers are your friend! 

The Initial Descent Past Emerald Lakes to Blue Lake

Distance: 1.6 km (1 mile) // Elevation Loss: 120 meters (400 feet)

Congratulations, you’ve made it to the highest point on the hike and it is almost literally all downhill from this point on. 

Unfortunately, hiking straight downhill for more than 11km is difficult in its own right. 

This first downhill section is probably the most difficult section of the hike, especially if you don’t have the right footwear and/or trekking poles. We had no problem, but we saw plenty of people who, to put it lightly, definitely had problems. 

Essentially, from the Red Crater down to the shore of Emerald Lakes (we’ll get to those in a minute) is straight downhill on a steep section of loose dirt. We saw several people fall on this section, and the key is to lean backwards so you fall on your butt, not your face!

About halfway down, you’ll want to stop and ogle at the beautiful turquoise lake sitting just below you. If you can see it, anyway. We waited here for 20 minutes for the fog to clear (it never quite did).

It has that same turquoise hue that you’ll find in alpine lakes around the world thanks to all the minerals in the water, and it’s far more vibrant on a sunny day (which we did not have) when it lights up and looks borderline fake.

If you look closely, you can see steam vents around the lake belching out sulphur-y air (hence the lovely smell through this section of the hike).

Once you’re done marveling at the geothermal wonderland here, the trail continues on and levels out for a bit before a short climb up to Blue Lake, which is the perfect spot for a snack (or your packed lunch) and a well-earned break. 

The Final Slog (It’s a Long One!)

Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles) // Elevation Gain: 975 meters (3,200 feet)

While the second and third sections are roughly tied for the most difficult portion of the hike from a physical standpoint, this last section of the hike from Blue Lake down to the Ketetahi Car Park is easily the most difficult from a mental (and emotional) standpoint. 

It starts out easy enough. You leave Blue Lake, pass another set of toilets, and are met with a great view out to the northeast featuring both Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupō. Really, it’s a spectacular view. 

However, the next * checks notes * 8km or so of slogging downhill SUCK. 

After that first initial section with the nice views, you start down a set of wide, very level switchbacks that are barely descending at all. 

Then the trail straightens out a bit, following a ridgeline down to the former location of the Ketetahi Shelter (which closed after the 2012 eruption when rocks came through the ceiling – luckily nobody was inside) where there are another set of toilets. 

From here, the trail alternates between steep sets of stairs and relatively level sections of trail for a bit. There are some cool sections here, mostly because of the bright red stained rocks along the trail. 

Then, for the last 3 km or so, you enter a wet, mossy forest, which is kind of a nice change of pace. We enjoyed this section, which follows a stream that, along with the birdsong, provides a nice soundtrack for the end of the hike. 

Eventually, you’ll emerge at the Ketetahi Carpark, where there are bathrooms and a shelter from the elements.

From here, you’ll either wait for the shuttle to take you back to your accommodations / town (if you booked a round trip) or walk another 900m down to the base of the road and cross the highway to get back to your car (if you booked a one way shuttle). 

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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October 18, 2018

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Welcome to Tongariro Expeditions

With over 25 years of experience on the mountains of the Central Plateau, Tongariro Expeditions is the longest running service provider for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Our convenient Tongariro Crossing shuttle service allows hikers to navigate this iconic trek at their own pace, ensuring a positive and stress-free experience.

Our Ketetahi Park N Ride service provides a safe and reliable way to begin your Tongariro Crossing journey, offering a one-way shuttle from your vehicle at the end of the hike to the start of the hike in the morning. By hiking your way back to your car, there is no time limit to your hike and no need to wait for a bus once you’ve reached the end.

Our Tongariro Crossing shuttle is available at a great price, with further discounts for large groups, seniors, students, and children. We also provide you with a map and information sheet that will give you confidence, local knowledge, and sound advice to keep you safe on the trek.

If you do not have a car, or want to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive, our return shuttles from Taupo and Turangi may be the right fit for you.

Here's what makes our shuttles so special

We provide a family package for 2 Adults + 2 Children under14 and group discounts for groups of 10 or more people.

No car? We can pick you up in the centre of the beautiful Taupo or the quaint Turangi in the morning and get you back in the afternoon.

We’ve been working in tourism in the Waikato region for over 25 years and providing transport for the Tongariro Crossing since 1998

Explore our shuttle options

Ketetahi one way shuttle.

Travel Time: 30 Minutes (approx.)

Experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing the Tongariro Expeditions way with our Ketetahi Park N Ride Shuttle Service. We offer discounted options for seniors, students and

Taupo Return Shuttle

Duration: 10 Hours (approx.)

This service is great as we pick you up from the beautiful town of Taupo. If you are staying central we can pick you up from your accommodation. If you are staying out of our

Turangi Return Shuttle

Duration: 9 Hours (approx.)

This service is great as we pick you up from the quaint town of Turangi. If you are staying central we can pick you up from your accommodation. If you are staying out of our

Ketetahi One Way Shuttle - Families

Experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with our Ketetahi Park N Ride Shuttle Service at a discounted price of $180 for 2 adults and 2 children (under 14).

Group Transport

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a popular group activity; there’s nothing quite like experiencing one of New Zealand’s great walks among great company.

Tongariro Holiday Park Return Shuttle

Travel time: 40 Minutes (approx.)

Return transport available from Tongariro Holiday Park to and from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

What our other guests have said

Prompt transportation to trail head, great for slow hikers like me that cannot keep up with a group but can still do 13+ miles.

- vgiambanco

Very efficient, helpful and comfortable!

- Adrienne Bowe

Precise instructions, shuttle on time. Friendly driver and very good advice. We were able to postpone the outing because of the weather without any difficulty.

- Franois_S

Shuttle Options

Let Adventure Lodge look after you with their world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing Freedom Package –  with over 10 years experience in bringing Tongariro value to you!  Often copied – but never matched!

Gift vouchers available.

Two night’s accommodation

Your choice of accommodation options from:

Budget private double/twin room (Separate men’s and women’s bathrooms) Budget Quad/family bedrooms in the lodge (Separate mens’s and womens bathrooms) Standard Studio Queen size units with your own private facilities Family Unit for Four with your own private facilities

Two Breakfasts each.                                                                                                                                            

1 x Continental breakfast with a selection of cereal’s, yogurt, fruit, toast, tea, coffee or orange juice. 1 x fully cooked breakfast with bacon, eggs, sausages, hash browns and toast. Plus tea, coffee or orange juice. You can choose which day you have which breakfast. Just let the kitchen staff know!

Cooked Breakfast

One Packed Lunch            

One deluxe packed lunch your choice of 1 x sandwich (Ham, Chicken, chesse and salad option),

2 pieces of fruit (if you do not want two pieces of fruit you can have two sandwiches),

1 healthy nut bar, 1 museli bar, 1 Chocolate Bar, 1.5 litres of water

Tongariro Track Transport         

Travel in comfort with Adventure Lodge’s own shuttle to the beginning of the Tongariro Crossing and be picked up at the end of the track and driven back to the lodge.

Relax in a hot spa after you arrive back from the Tongariro Crossing, while we prepare you dinner.

Two course dinner        

After your spa let us cook you a two course dinner with a selection of freshly home made salads, scotch fillet steak, or breast of chicken with bacon and avocado or a vegetarian kebab. Try a New Zealand Pavlova for dessert or the dessert of the day. Coffee and tea.

Receive a “Just done it” T-Shirt and Certificate – great value!!

Single person in the Queen Studio $352.00  –  Single person in the Double Lodge $272.00

We can arrange a private guide on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing @ $245.00 per person (minimum of two persons)

Independent hiking in winter is possible – if they have experience hiking with crampons & ice axe in alpine terrain.  Please confirm if you are experienced in these conditions.  If not we can arrange a guide with all the winter equipment for you.  We can recommend some lower mountain walks which you will not require a guide for.

If you would like the package in the winter you will need to include the rate of $185.00 per person to be included, to join a group with a trained Alpine Crossing Guide.

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Many thanks

10 replies to this topic

Easiest way is to book a shuttle! Where are you staying the night before? Mysuggestion would be take the early shuttles at 7-715am to ensure you are with the bulk of what I friendly refer to as the herd.

Mondays weather still looks pretty good just remeber its cold up there as well also Book with the Department of Conservation website and they will send you useful information on what to take.

OR go with a guided group

I chose to do it solo last December, because the track is very easy to follow (as in well marked) and there are always lots of people around. I doubt I went more than about 3 minutes without seeing another person. Using a shuttle to get to the start naturally means you end up walking with a bunch of people at least at the start - they will spread out during the day. There are guided tours if you prefer.

take good alpine gear and check doc advice. take a shuttle as they will check that you make it out safely and will follow up if you arent out at the time

Great, thanks for the info

When you say Alpine gear, what do you mean? I have good clothing, hat gloves etc but not crampons

You dont need crampons for the day you are planning.

What it means is remember it is an Alpine enviroment and can be cold but based on my local knowledge and experiance Monday is looking perfect for this time of year with High pressure over us meaning stable weather patterns.

Great that’s reassuring, I’ll keep an eye on the weather and hopefully look forward to a great day on the hills

Hey, take at least 1.5ltrs water and sunblock and a wide brim hat, a great and unforgettable walk, enjoy.

Something everyone who replys overlooks because you probably dont know! Is you need to book your intentions on the Department off Conservation website no matter how you plan to get there transport wise.

In that booking email you get sent a massive list of information to make the walk as enjoyable as possible which includes a gear list.

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10 Places In New Zealand Made Famous By Movies

• The Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand is a major tourist attraction and the filming location for the Hobbit Shire in Lord of the Rings.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers stunning volcanic landscapes and was used as the filming location for Mordor in Lord of the Rings.
• Milford Sound is a popular destination in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park and was featured in the movie Alien: Covenant as an alien world.

New Zealand is a stunning country famous for its breathtaking landscapes. Some places have been made famous by movies filmed in New Zealand - including The Lord of the Rings, 10,000 BC, The Last Samurai, Mulan (2020), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , and others.

Today, there are many Lord of the Rings tours around New Zealand , while visitors should also visit Weta Cave and see where the makeup, stage props , and more of the movies are made. Here are ten places in New Zealand made famous by movies.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Perhaps the most famous location in New Zealand is the Hobbiton Movie Set. The Hobbiton Movie Set was the filming location of the Hobbit Shire in the Lord of the Rings . Today, it is a massive tourist attraction in New Zealand, and the site has been developed progressively.

Enjoy a feast fit for a Hobbit at the Green Dragon and tour inside the Hobbit holes from next year.

• Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Hobbit Trilogy

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was the filming location for the lands of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings (Mount Doom is the volcano Mt Ngāuruhoe).

The Tongariro National Park may not look anything like the movie, but it is one of the most stunning locations in New Zealand with other-worldly volcanic landscapes.

• Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Mount Cook is the largest mountain in New Zealand, offering a true mountaineering experience for those who would like to climb it.

Much of the 2020 movie Mulan was filmed in New Zealand , including some of the most dramatic mountainous landscapes in the movie.

• Movie: Mulan (2020)

Related: Reaching Mount Cook: How To Climb New Zealand's Most Challenging & Toughest Mountain

Mount Taranaki

At first glance, people might think that New Zealand's volcano, Mount Taranaki, is Japan's more famous Mount Fuji.

This is what the producers of the 2003 movie The Last Samurai were betting on. The romantic telling of the Samauri as Japan modernized in the 1870s is set in Japan but filmed in New Zealand.

• Movie: The Last Samurai (2003)

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a dramatic fjord in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park - the largest national park in New Zealand. It is one of the top destinations in the country, but in the movie Alien: Covenant , the alien world that the shuttle lands on is, in fact, Milford Sound.

The scene is also filmed in such a way that the iconic-giveaway features of Milford Sound are readily visible.

• Movie: Alien: Covenant (2017)

Bowen Falls

Scenes from the movies X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Mission: Impossible Fallout were also filmed in Milford Sound.

The early wedding scene in Mission: Impossible Fallout was focused on Milford Sound's Bowen Falls. In the movie X-Men Origin: Wolverine , the Wolverine is seen jumping out of one of the waterfalls in Milford after getting his Adamantium skeleton.

• Movies: X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) and Mission: Impossible Fallout (2018)

Related: Take One Of The New Zealand's Instagrammable Picture With Milford Sound's Bowen Falls

The hills, mountains, and lakes around Queenstown have been the scene of a number of filming locations in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

While none of these movies filmed the alpine resort town itself, Queenstown is a great place to go on Lord of the Rings tours to discover the nearby filming locations.

Related: Why Adrenaline Seekers Love Queenstown, New Zealand

Pūtangirua Pinnacles

The PÅ«tangirua Pinnacles (locally called The Pinnacles) are the best examples in New Zealand of badlands erosion. They are made up of a number of earth pillars (aka hoodoos).

The Pinnacles are located near the capital, Wellington, and were used in the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King as the Paths of the Dead.

• Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Kawarau Gorge

The Kawarau Gorge is located just out of Queenstown and was made famous as the filming site of the mighty Argonath or Pillar of the Kings from Lord of the Rings : The Fellowship of the Ring .

The Kawarau Gorge is one of the most stunning gorges in New Zealand and was the first place in the world to offer commercial bungy jumping (which is still its main activity).

• Movie: Lord of the Rings : The Fellowship of the Ring

Flock Hill in the interior of the South Island was used as the filming location for the Great Battle in the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe .

There are other locations around the country to discover that were filmed in the movie, including Woodhill Forest as the White Witch's Camp and the Elephant Rocks as Aslan's Camp.

• Movie: Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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Tour of famous Moscow Metro. Explore the Underground World! (2 hours)

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On this tour you take in some of Moscow's most important and highly decorated stations. Carrying up to 7 million passengers a day and covering almost the entire city, the Moscow Metro is one of the most extensive mass transit systems in the world. It's famous for the fine examples of social-realism which decorate many of its stations.

Visit some of the most important stations and get the chance to admire spectacular baroque-style ceilings, marble statues, busts of Communist heroes, stained glass windows, and ceiling mosaics depicting the bright Soviet future. Visit the most remarkable stations like Komsomolskaya, Kurskaya, Kievskaya and others, with the experienced guide who will bring you a full insight into their fascinating history.

• Tour of Moscow's Metro system visiting beautifully decorated key stations on the network.
• System that carries more than 7 million passengers per day
• Views of the most opulently designed tunnels & platforms
• Significance to the country—known as the “People's Palace”
• History & stories relayed by an expert local guide

If you wonder why the Moscow metro is considered one the most beautiful in the world, this tour is made for you!

Important info

Ask a travel expert.

• Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult

Departure and return point: nearest metro station to your central Moscow hotel  

Departure time:  flexible

Sights included in program

Thanks ! We will reply you in less than 24 hours (usually within 1-2 hours) .

Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis. In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

Once you complete your reservation, we will send you a booking confirmation email. As the day of the tour approaches, our logistics team will provide you with all relevant information for your tour.

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Our Experts have been in the travel industry for many years, guarantee to offer first class customer service, excellent value for money and unbiased advice. They are standing by to find and build your dream holiday to one of the world's most fascinating destinations - Russia. Your personal Travel Expert will guide you through each stage of the travel process, from choosing a program that fits you best to support during your trip.

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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