Walk the Ketetahi Track as a one-day return trip or as part of the one day, one way Tongariro Alpine Crossing or you can continue on to the 2-3 day Tongariro Northern Circuit.

The track begins by climbing through podocarp forest. The track emerges from the forest onto a broad tussock-covered ridge, and continues up the slopes below the North Crater of Tongariro toward the Ketetahi shelter.

The treeline is where the active volcanic hazard zone begins. There are great views from here of the steaming vents at Te Maari craters, and the Ketetahi thermal area.

Find out everything you need to plan for this track on Plan My Walk, including track descriptions, recent reviews, current alerts, the weather forecast and essential gear to bring.

Know before you go

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.

Before starting out, hikers should check the weather forecast and track conditions -Tongariro National Park weather is extremely changeable year round. Check with the Taupo or Turangi visitor information centres before you go.

Be prepared for cold, wet or windy weather at all times. Heavy rain causes increased water flows in all streams and rivers in the park and they may not be safe to cross.

Giardia may be present in some streams in the park. We recommend you treat all water before you drink it.

What to take

• water- and wind-proof clothing (jacket and overtrousers)
• warm layers (wool or polypropylene)
• sturdy comfortable shoes or boots
• food and plenty to drink
• sunglasses and sunscreen
• first aid kit