Volcano Views and Wild Vibes at Tongariro National Park

#holidayitinerary Tongariro National Park is next level cool. We went mainly for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which totally lived up to the hype. The hike is around 19 kilometers and yeah, it's long, but so worth it. You’re walking between active volcanoes, past craters and crazy-colored lakes that look like something from another planet. The Emerald Lakes were definitely the highlight for me. Weather changes fast up there, so layering is key. It was sunny at the start and then freezing and windy near the summit. Bring snacks, lots of water, and good shoes because some of the track is steep and slippery, especially around the Red Crater. There’s also heaps of shorter walks around the park if you're not up for the full-day hike. We stayed in National Park Village which was super chill and close to everything. If you’re into landscapes that feel epic and a bit unreal, Tongariro is totally the place. Just be ready for a workout.