Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Widely regarded as New Zealand's finest single-day hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses an active volcanic landscape at the centre of Tongariro National Park. The 19.4-kilometre route crosses lava fields, passes the brilliant turquoise Emerald Lakes in volcanic craters, and ascends to the South Crater and Red Crater, a still-active vent that last erupted in 2012. The volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu frame the route.