Tongariro Alpine Crossing Accommodation & Camping

Experience Tongariro's volcanic wonderland

New Zealand's most popular one day hike

Be impressed by the stunning scenery on New Zealand's iconic one day hike. Marvel at the power & beauty of the unique volcanic landscape.

Discovery Lodge offers a range of stay options and the earliest shuttle to the Crossing.  

The Emerald Lakes with a little snow and hikers walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Emerald & Blue Lakes
Views over golden tussock grass, Lake Rotoaira, Mt Pihanga, Mt Tihia and Mt Kakaramea from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Spectacular views
Lush Tongariro National Park rain forest
Rain forest
The active volcano of Mt Ngauruhoe with blue sky and golden tussock grass
Active volcanos
The volcanic Red Crater of Mt Tongariro
Volcanic craters
A hiker standing on board walk in the Mangatepopo Valley taking a photo of Mt Ngauruhoe
Ancient glacial valley

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to walk the Tongariro Crossing?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4 km. The average time to complete the hike is 7 hours. The actual walking time is around 5.5 hours. Obviously the time it takes depends on your fitness level and experience. 

How hard is the Tongariro Crossing?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4 km. The track ascends 766m from the start to the high point. The descent is 1126m to the finish of the hike. One of the reason the hike is so popular is most active people can complete the hike. Here's an article about how difficult is the Tongariro Crossing. 

Is the Tongariro Crossing free?

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is free. The track is point to point so you need to organise a drop off and pick up. There are many shuttle companies offering this service. To help you select a quality shuttle company check out this article: How to choose an excellent Tongariro Crossing shuttle.    

When's the best time of the year to do the Crossing?

Most people hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during the summer months of November through to April. For more information check out this article: When's the best time to do the Tongariro Crossing.

The Crossing can be hiked during winter if you have snow and ice alpine experience. If you don't you can go with a guide.

Stay at Discovery Lodge for your Tongariro experience

Discovery Lodge is the closest accommodation to the start of the Tongariro Crossing and operates the earliest daily shuttle. 

“Great location for doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Awesome views of Mt Ruapehu from our cabin! Good value and comforting to know Callum has alpine expertise and is a local, so the decision to do the climb is based on good information. The cabin was very comfortable. The ability to order a packed breakfast and lunch for the climb was great, as was the ability to hire walking poles.”
Canadian Maple Leaf
Anna S

Cobourg, CANADA

Accommodation for all

There's a room to suit your budget at Discovery Lodge. From luxury chalets, to cosy motels, to affordable simple rooms.

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Interior of a Discovery Lodge chalet close to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Camping amongst nature

Relax with views of the volcanoes and surrounding nature. Your choice from tent, camper & car sites or huts.

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Two campers with a marmot tent at Discovery Lodge close to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Feel well prepared

Take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with confidence. We're mountain people and we're here to help and look after you.

Stay with us
Callum Harland, owner of Discovery Lodge crossing a mountain stream in the Tongariro National Park

Earliest shuttle service

Experience peace and quiet on the Crossing. Discovery Lodge operates the earliest daily Tongariro Crossing shuttle to the start.

Book the earliest shuttle
The Apline Co's early Tongariro Crossing shuttle buses owned and operated by Discovery Lodge with beautiful sunrise

Rental gear available

Stay safe in bad weather. Discovery Lodge rents dependable high quality rain jackets. Torches & walking poles can also be rented.

Book your Crossing
High quality Cactus rain jacket which can be rented from Discovery Lodge

Closest to the Crossing

Save travel time to the start. Discovery Lodge is the closest accommodation & camping to the start of the Tongariro Crossing.

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A google map showing Discovery lodge is the closest accommodation and camping to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Close to Cafes & Bars

A short 5 minute drive to a selection of restaurants, bars and cafes. 5 minutes to either Whakapapa or National Park Village.

Check close places to eat
A couple laughing and enjoying a coffee and smoothy at a cafe close to Discovery Lodge Tongariro

Winter Package Deal

A convenient package for easy planning. The Tongariro Crossing Winter package deal will satisfy your craving for alpine adventure. 

Book your winter adventure
A group of hikers enjoying the snow on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter
“Chalet was very comfortable and with stunning views. Staff was very helpful. Definitely recommended for those who plan to make Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Shuttle went smooth and easy. They provide you with all necessary information before getting on the track.”
German flag
Magda U

Germany

Your unique Tongariro Alpine Crossing experience

Hand made bed side lamp next to a bed inside a Discovery Lodge chalet
Find your room

Chalet and motels

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A couple embracing outside their tent at Discovery Lodge camp site
Find your camp

Camper sites and tent sites

Find your camp
Emerald Lakes with snow and ice on the Tongariro Crossing
Planning guide

for Tongariro Crossing

Planning guide