Mangatepopo Valley, Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park’s Mangatepopo Valley and its neighbouring volcanoes present a unique landscape, having been shaped by fiery lava and pyroclastic flows as recently as the 1970s. 

The valley is the traditional access for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is also a location for an overnighter in a Great Walks-standard hut, a camping excursion, or day walks in a rugged and beautiful environment beneath Ngāuruhoe, Tongariro and Pukekaikiore. Although Ngāuruhoe is named as a separate mountain, it is actually a secondary cone of the older Mt Tongariro; Pukekaikiore is thought to be one of the oldest vents in the entire volcanic complex.

The lower valley is a remarkable place to explore, with volcano views and easy walking to the freshwater Soda Springs alongside Ngāuruhoe’s sprawling lava flows, the last of which erupted from the crater in 1954. Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro can be seen better from the head of the valley, via Devil’s Staircase, which climbs around 260m to South Crater. For a quieter experience, the col between Ngāuruhoe and Pukekaikiore is worth a trip, or walk to the scenic ridge on the valley’s north side, where views can be had from Pt1409.

*From October–April Mangatepopo Valley has a 4hr parking limit and bookings are required for huts and campsites. Because Mangatepopo Valley is part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, booking via DOC is recommended (and free).