TONGARIRO ALINE CROSSING | Mount Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom), Emerald Lakes & More [+ PACKING LIST]

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the best hike in New Zealand's North Island. Without a doubt, and it isn't very close. This incredible hike brings you through multiple climates and pass tons of EPIC sites, including Mount Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings...) and the stunning Emerald Lakes. Make the Tongariro Alpine Crossing a must-do on your visit to New Zealand, and check out this video for everything you need to know, including your Tongariro packing list!

Video Timestamps
0:39 - Beginning the Tongariro Crossing
1:46 - Sunrise over Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom!)
2:20 - Soda Springs Waterfall
2:40 - Devil's Staircase
3:28 - South Crater
4:19 - Red Crater
5:03 - Emerald Lakes
5:53 - Blue Lake
6:30 - Return Hike to Ketetahi
7:40 - Tongariro Crossing Packing List
9:00 - Made it! Thank You for Watching & Please Subscribe!

The #tongariroalpinecrossing is one of the best hikes in the entire world! This 19.4 kilometer one-way trip is full of wonderful sites, challenging ascents and descents, and beautiful views. YOu'll be above the clouds, walking past incredible sites such as #mountngauruhoe (#mountdoom), the #emerald lakes, #bluelake, and so much more!

Also, you are going to need a great packing list. Here are the items we needed on our #tongarirocrossing hike:
- Lunch (sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, snack)
- Water (2 liters per person)
- Jackets (the hike can be cold in the early morning and at the top of the summits)
- Toilet Paper (there are toilets on the hike, but you never know...)
- Sunscreen (That NZ sun is a scorcher!)
- Camera (so many great photo opportunities)
- Smile (Always need a great attitude!)

To do the Tongariro Crossing, which is a one-way hike, you'll need to work out a way to park at the end of the track and get a ride to the beginning. There are many shuttle companies that will give you a lift for $30-$40NZD, which is what we did. However, we save a bit of money by having Julie drop Zach at the beginning, then drive to the end to catch the shuttle back to the start. That way we only had to book one shuttle! If you know any locals, perhaps you can work out a way to complete the Tongariro Crossing without needing a shuttle!
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On our 3 month journey through New Zealand we are sharing free things to do in places all over the North Island and South Island. We are exploring on a budget, so we happen to be finding free activities by necessity, but we've found that New Zealand is full of AMAZING things to do that won't cost a dollar to do!

We are living the van life in a self-contained campervan in New Zealand. With a self-contained campervan, we can camp for free at Freedom Camping sites located in convenient places all across New Zealand! We get to camp at beautiful places, and don't have to pay! Sounds like a perfect situation to us... Freedom Camping is the best way to see New Zealand, especially when you are on a budget.

If you have any New Zealand places to recommend, please let us know in the comments of this video!

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow along with our adventures on:

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Who Are We??
We are Julie and Zach Ruhl. At the end of 2018 we sold almost everything we owned and moved out of our Chicago apartment and into a 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan. We took a leap of faith, and had the best year of our entire lives. We built a life on the road, and lived each day to the fullest in our wonderful tiny home (named Winnie :)).

We are continuing our travels into 2020 and beyond across the world!

[JenniferLupine]

Like ⭐️⭐️ Great hike and video! What a special trip and amazing place to explore! Loved all the views - looks like you had a great time - thanks for sharing 👍👍👍