Tongariro National Park

Dawdlers down under often have to pay to plod around many of the region’s popular parks and paths, but this selection of freestyle footpaths fromThe Best Things in Life are Freewon’t cost you a thing.

The Tongariro Crossing is one of the biggest and best day hikes in New Zealand. Mars-like volcanic peaks and smoking craters may not be the first thing you had in mind for your trip to NZ, but the epic factor on this one is off the charts. If these apocalyptic landscapes look like something right out of ‘Mordor’ in the Lord of the Rings movies, that’s because all of those scenes were filmed here! Therefore, definitely try to fit this hike into your New Zealand itinerary! This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!