Ruka’s 20km Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike: Ultimate Adventure Guide

Challenged the incredibly popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 20km route that was both grueling and exhilarating 😂 👇

[One R] Gear:
• Hiking shoes: Opt for comfortable, thick-soled shoes with excellent grip! No sports shoes here👟.
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants: The mountain weather can be unpredictable. Consider adding a thin down jacket for extra warmth.
• Backpack: A 30L backpack is sufficient. Choose one designed for mountaineering with pressure-relieving straps to keep you comfortable.

• Trekking poles: Highly recommended! They are a lifesaver, especially on long hikes, helping you conserve energy, particularly during steep descents.

[Two R] Supplies:
• Water: Bring at least 2L to stay hydrated.
• Food: Pack high-calorie, easy-to-digest snacks like bread, cheese, nuts, and dried fruits to keep your energy up.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat: Protect yourself from the intense sun. A baseball cap can easily be blown away by the wind🧢, so opt for a trekking hat instead. Otherwise, the strong winds might give you a headache!

[Three R] Accommodation🏡: Any hotel in the National Park area will do. I chose the Skotel Alpine Resort cabin, which allows you to bring your own food to cook. You can also book a hot spring in advance for just 5🔪. Soaking in the hot spring after a 20km hike is pure bliss! ♨️

[Four R] Route Information🧭
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers multiple entry points. I took the classic loop, starting near Lake Mangatahopo. The scenery along the way is absolutely breathtaking😍. The first half of the hike is a gentle uphill, offering views of lush green grasslands and distant volcanoes. The second half includes steep climbs and descents, testing your endurance. But when you see the emerald and blue lakes with their dreamy colors, it’s all worth it💙.

[Five R] Itinerary Planning⏰
It’s best to start early. I arrived at the starting point at 7 am, having booked a one-way shuttle bus in advance on the official website, which costs 55🔪 per person. This helps you avoid the crowds, gives you ample time to enjoy the stunning scenery, and allows you to handle any unexpected situations.

[Six R] Hiking Experience🎈
At first, the hike felt quite manageable, and I was snapping photos all the way📷. But around the 10km mark, my legs started to ache, and every step became a challenge. However, seeing a 70-year-old grandpa still pushing on, and even people carrying babies… [Disappointment R] I instantly found new motivation💪.

Reaching the summit and looking down at the magnificent view, I was truly awed by the natural wonder. Be extra cautious on the descent, as there’s a lot of pressure on the knees, but thankfully, the trekking poles were a huge help.

[Seven R] Precautions⚠️
1. Weather: Always check the weather forecast on the official website before you go. On my first attempt, the weather was good, but the wind was strong, and the trail was closed. Do not proceed in bad weather; safety should always come first.
2. Energy Distribution: Don’t rush at the beginning.

Maintain a steady pace and distribute your energy wisely.
3. Environmental Protection: Take your trash with you. Leave no trace and help preserve the beauty of this incredible place.

This breathtaking place truly deserves our collective guardianship 🌍
Though I’m a novice, it took me a total of 10 hours, but with perseverance, I triumphed over the challenge and celebrated my success 🎉