Which New Zealand national park features the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in Tongariro National Park, on New Zealand’s North Island.

The 19.4-kilometre track crosses the volcanic landscape of Mount Tongariro, passing South Crater, Red Crater, the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake. It is one of New Zealand’s best-known day hikes and usually takes about seven hours in good conditions.

Tongariro National Park was established in 1887 after Māori paramount chief Horonuku Te Heuheu gifted the mountains to the Crown. The park later became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural significance—the first location to receive dual recognition.

A common mix-up is Mount Ngauruhoe, whose distinctive cone appeared as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings films. Although the mountain lies beside the crossing, the trail itself is named for and located within Tongariro National Park.