Please note: while you can do these hiking trips in winter they are much more difficult due to the snow conditions. You will need to be experienced in using ice axes and crampons and be preparedfor the cold.
The Tongariro Crossing Hike

If you plan on doing the Tongariro crossing hike make sure you check the weather forecast. It really isn't worth doing this hike if the weather is "shite" and there are plenty of better foul weather options.
 

• If you stayed at the backpackers probably the easiest way to do the crossing is to get picked up and dropped off by the Bus Company who run a daily “crossing” service. You can catch a similar bus from Whakapapa Village. The Tongariro crossing is not a loop and while some people drive their cars to the start, walk to the end and then hitch hike back to their car this is not recommended. It is a long walk and the last thing you will want to be doing at the end of it is standing on the side of the road waiting for a non-existent lift. We suggest you pay the $$ and catch the bus. 
• In good weather this is an amazing hike through dramatic and varied scenery. The hike climbs between two volcanoes, over lava flows, past active craters and beautiful lakes. Along the way there is an option to climb Mt Ngauruhoe (which provided the backdrop for Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy) which allows uninterrupted views of the volcanic plateau, Lake Taupo and on a good day Mt Taranaki on the West Coast. In bad weather it is a hard dangerous extremely cold walk with no views and apart from deserving a beer at the pub afterwards no benefits at all. Save it for a good day. 
• Even on a good day the weather can change rapidly so be prepared. Always take warm clothes, wear suitable footwear and carry food and drink. Any trip into NZ’s mountains is a serious undertaking. Depending on your speed and the route you take this hike will take you from 6 to 9 hours.
• The hike starts at Mangatepopo and heads up a pretty valley. After 15 minutes you can take a short detour and check out Mangatepopo Hut. After about an hour you will reach the head of the valley where there is a toilet. A short side trip takes you to Soda Springs, one of only two places to get water on this trip.
• The next part of the hike is tough, although DOC have made it easier but changing the route which used to go straight up Devils Staircase. Approximately 30 minutes later, depending on your fitness, you will reach the Mangatepopo saddle. Here, while catching your breath, contemplate whether you want to climb Mt Ngauruhoe (or not).
   

Climbing Mt Doom (2287 m)

• It takes most fit people about 2.5 hours (roundtrip) to climb Ngauruhoe – that is 2 hours up and 30 minutes down J. If the weather is clear it is an awesome and highly recommended adventure, but be warned it is not easy. The best way to go up is to climb on the hard spine of rock that you will see sticking out amidst all the loose rocks. When coming down the easiest way is to come down in the loose material (on the right hand side of the spine when going up). Be very careful not to send rocks hurtling down onto the people climbing below you and equally make sure you watch out for rocks coming down from above. Many people, including Joe, have been hit by falling rocks on the slopes of Mt Doom L.
   

Onwards
 

• From Mangatepopo saddle the walk crosses the flat expanse of South Crater before climbing steeply up to a high point with excellent views. From here a track to the left takes you to the summit of Tongariro (1967 m). The track now descends steeply, past Red Crater (still considered active) and through the stunning Emerald Lakes.
• The hike crosses Central Crater before climbing briefly to the crater rim, passing Blue Lake, and descending once more. The track zigzags its way down to Ketetahi Hut, which provides an excellent place for a break (toilets and water, not to mention the view). From here it is a deceptively long way (1.5 hours at least) down to the car park far below. The last part of the walk passes through Beech forest, which is a nice change from the harsh volcanic landscape.
• Time for a beer! You have just completed the most famous one day walk in NZ.
   

Longer Hikes

There are two excellent longer hikes in the area.

The popular Northern Circuit is a 3-4 day trip that takes in part of the Tongariro crossing.

The Round the mountain tramp is a classic trip. Less busy than the Northern Circuit it is still an excellent and rewarding walk which also takes 4-5 days. It can be done in 2 if you run.

The logical start/finish point for both walks is Whakapapa Village.

Climbing Ruapehu

Another awesome day trip is the climb up Ruapehu. Best done in summer the views from the top are awesome.

If you like this sort of thing then check out the GOOT Challenge: Four peaks in 24 hours. Epic!

Foul weather options

If the weather isn’t kind don’t try your luck, instead try one of these:

• Head to Whakapapa Village and check out the information centre – it is pretty cool and contains lots of groovy stuff about volcanoes and the history of the National Park.
   
• There are a number of good walks around here, the best of which is the walk to Taranaki Falls. This 2 hour loop starts off Ngauruhoe Place (behind the Chateau). The walk is best walked in a clockwise direction.
   
• The Silica Rapids walk is also nice. As are the short walks to Tawhai Falls and Mahuia Rapids.
   
• There is a good loop walk around Lake Rotopounamu (on highway 47 on route to Turangi).

White water rafting

The Tongariro River is an excellent grade 3 white water adventure. It is perfect for “new comers” to the sport but because of the beautiful scenery is equally enjoyable for old hands. 

• Tongariro River Rafting provide a number of options including “self-guided” rafting. A typical trip involves about 2.5 hours on the river.

• At Tokaanu, near Turangi, there are some hotpools, which while commercial and nothing on the Taupo and Rotorua pools, can be relaxing on a gloomy day.
   
• Drive up the Bruce Road to the ski field car park. Part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed up here.