Posts by Backyard Tours

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike is widely regarded as the best one-day walk in New Zealand, and it certainly earns that reputation. Over 20.2 kilometres, you’ll cross the volcanic heart of Tongariro National Park, pass vivid emerald lakes, skirt ancient lava flows, and stand at the rim of Red Crater at 1,886m above sea level.…

The thing is, even hikers with cars need to sort out transport for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It’s a one-way trek, starting at Mangatepopo and finishing at Ketetahi, roughly 20km away. So, if you’re travelling New Zealand by bus, flying in from overseas, or simply don’t fancy the drive, getting to Tongariro Alpine Crossing without…

Choosing where to stay for the Tongariro Crossing can make or break your experience. The hike itself is a one-way, 20km trek starting at Mangatepopo and finishing at Ketetahi. Your base town affects everything from your wake-up time to how easily you can judge the mountain weather. Our guide below explores some of the best…

Planning your Tongariro Crossing parking can feel like solving a puzzle. The hike starts at Mangatepopo and finishes at Ketetahi—two completely different locations, about 20km apart. So, where is the best option for Tongariro Crossing parking? The honest answer is that most hikers skip the parking hassle altogether in favour of a shuttle. But let’s…