Explore the Wonders: How Long Can You Daydream at Tongariro Extinct Volcano?

Who said the North Island of New Zealand isn’t a blast?!
I’ve heard that many travelers only venture to the South Island, but I’m on a mission to bring the North Island back into the spotlight! Based on my own adventures, I’ve compiled a list of 50 must-see spots. Here’s the 4th recommendation that will surely leave you in awe! 😆

📍Tongariro Alpine Crossing 🌋
Nestled in the heart of the North Island, near the stunning Lake Taupo, lies Tongariro National Park. As New Zealand’s first national park 🏞️, it served as the inspiration for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings and is celebrated as a UNESCO dual World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

This place is a true hiker’s paradise! 🚶 From the base to the summit, the trail takes you through an incredible array of landscapes—dense forests, rugged shrublands, alpine tundra, volcanic rock formations, serene lakes, and even ancient glaciers. The weather here is as dynamic as the terrain, shifting from misty clouds to brilliant sunshine, adding an element of surprise to every step.

At the peak, we reached the Red Crater, where the breathtaking view of sapphire-blue lakes 💙 stretched out before us. The stark, otherworldly beauty of the volcanic landscape made us feel like we were in a different realm, far removed from our everyday lives. It was a surreal experience, almost like a dream come true 💤.