If you’re after a solid day walk in Tongariro National Park that skips the Crossing crowds but still gives you big volcanic views, crater lakes, and a bonus waterfall, the Tama Lakes Hike is the one. I did it with an early start, and came away with some of my favourite photos from the park. It’s well-marked, exposed, and exactly the kind of trail that is well-worth adding to your North Island itinerary.
For all the details you need to know, I’ve got you covered in below.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- This post is your complete, practical guide to the Tama Lakes Hike in Tongariro National Park. A 19km day walk that delivers crater lakes, Taranaki Falls, and big views of Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe without the crowds or logistics of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- It’s perfect if you’re looking for a solid day adventure that still feels achievable, whether you’re hiking solo, travelling with limited time, or simply want volcanic scenery.
- You’ll get clear trail stats, parking and timing advice, seasonal tips, solo safety notes, photography guidance, accommodation options, and honest first-hand experience so you can plan the day with confidence.
LOCATION OVERVIEW
The Tama Lakes sit in Tongariro National Park on the Central North Island, starting from Whakapapa Village. It takes you out across open tussock and alpine landscape to viewpoints of the Lower and Upper Tama Lakes. These are two crater lakes that sit on the saddle between Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe.
HOW TO GET TO THE TAMA LAKES TRAILHEAD
You’ll start right in Whakapapa Village on State Highway 48. Head to the Taranaki Falls Walking Track which you’ll find at the end of Ngauruhoe Place. From here you’re straight onto the trail. If you’re coming from Tūrangi it’s roughly 35-40 minutes, or about an hour and a half from Taupō.
Parking tips
Park at the Taranaki Falls Carpark at the end of Ngauruhoe Terrace. It’s a small lot with space for roughly 14 vehicles, so arriving early is the smart move if you want a spot. There are usually a few roadside options nearby if it’s full, and the larger village parking near the visitor centre works as a backup (just check any time limits).
KEY INSIGHTS FOR THE TAMA LAKES HIKE
Distance: 19 km | 11.8 miles
Elevation: 550 meters (total)
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop
Open: Year-round
The Tama Lakes Track starts off fairly manageable with only a gentle incline, wide open views, and a short stretch of forest. The path is well maintained and clearly marked the whole way, which is helpful because it crosses other routes like the Tongariro Northern Circuit (one of New Zealand’s Great Walks). You’ll also notice rubber hexagons layered into the track in places where extra grip is needed.
Most of the trail has a similar open, rocky feel until you reach the lower lake lookout or drop back into the forest near Taranaki Falls. The bulk of the elevation comes on the climb up to the Upper Tama Lake viewpoint, and from that point the terrain gets really rocky so good shoes are essential. It’s also largely exposed, so sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable.
I started just before sunrise in March and the first 4.5 km felt great while the sun was still behind the mountains. It took me just over 2 hours to reach the lower lake with plenty of photo stops. I saved the Taranaki Falls loop for the return so the stairs and forest section came during the warmer part of the day which was a nice way to finish (especially if you fancy a swim at the end). There are toilets along the way too, which is handy on a longer trail like this.
BEST TIME TO HIKE TAMA LAKES
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Longer days and usually the most reliable weather, but it’s also the hottest and most exposed. Expect strong sun and bring plenty of water and protection.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Often quieter with beautiful light and cooler temperatures. I went in March and the conditions were ideal.
- Spring (Sept-Nov): Fresh, though weather can still be changeable as a hangover from winter.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Definitely doable, but snow and ice risk can appear on the upper section. Alpine skills and equipment may be required for the final climb.
Best time of day is an early start. The first few hours before the sun clears the mountains are cooler and quieter, and you get the lakes in softer light. The track is open year-round, but always check the latest conditions as the alpine weather here can change fast.
HOW CROWDED IS IT ALONG THE TAMA LAKES HIKE
The Taranaki Falls section is more popular (and more family-friendly), so you’ll share that part with more people. Once you branch off toward the lakes the numbers drop noticeably. I still saw plenty of hikers, especially on the return, but it never felt crowded. Most visitors to the area are focused on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, so this makes a really good secondary option if you want the volcanic scenery without the bus/transfer logistics and crowds.
IS IT SAFE TO HIKE TAMA LAKES SOLO
Absolutely. I hiked this solo and felt completely safe the whole way. The track is well marked and well used. That said, it’s still an alpine environment so make sure to tell someone your plans, carry enough water and food, check the weather and track conditions before you leave, and take a PLB if you’re going alone. The upper section to the viewpoint is steeper and more exposed, so take your time on the loose rock.
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ACCOMMODATION NEARBY
Whakapapa Village itself has a handful of options right on the doorstep of the trailhead, plus more choices in National Park Village (about 15 minutes away) and further afield in Tūrangi or Ohakune. I find that booking.com is the best site for finding accommodation in this area.
We stayed at Plateau Lodge in National Park Village. It is a simple, comfortable stay, and only a 15 minute drive from the trailhead. Perfect if you’re planning full days out exploring.
CAN YOU CAMP ALONG THE TAMA LAKES TRAIL
Camping is not permitted within 500 metres of the Northern Circuit Track, or within 200 metres of any other track except designated campsites. However, in saying that, I do know of people who have camped off trail at the Upper Tama Lakes viewpoint.
If you’re not looking at being that adventurous, Whakapapa Holiday Park sits right in the village beside the visitor centre and is a solid base for this hike and others in the park. It has a lodge, tent sites (for one or two tents only), and facilities. There is also Discovery Camping nearby which has tent, camper and car sites along with huts. Mangahuia Campsite is also a DOC site run campsite on the edge of the Tongariro National Park. Bookings are recommended, especially in peak season as it can get busy.
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PHOTOGRAPHING THE TAMA LAKES HIKE
There are some really great opportunities to capture some striking imagery on this Tama Lakes hike. The open tussock sections give you wide, unobstructed views of both Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe almost the whole way, and once you reach the lakes the crater views are great from every angle.
Starting early works really well. As the sun comes over the mountains you get softer light, which is much more forgiving than the harsh midday sun on this fully exposed trail. There are lots of shadows across the landscape first thing in the morning, so be ready to adjust your settings frequently as the light changes.
OTHER ACTIVITIES NEARBY
- Taranaki Falls is built into this route and makes a great shorter option on its own if you only have a couple of hours.
- The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the iconic day hike in the park and starts from nearby.
- The Tongariro Northern Circuit (a New Zealand Great Walk) shares part of this track.
- Whakapapa Village also gives easy access to short walks, the ski area in winter, and the visitor centre for maps and updates.
If you have extra time, the drive around to the other side of the mountains or a night in Tūrangi opens up a few more options too.
WHAT'S NEXT
In this blog post we have given you the full rundown on the Tama Lakes Track – from the stats and parking to the best time of day and what to expect on the trail.
If this hike is on your list and you want company on the trail (or someone to capture the real moments rather than just the posed ones), I’m always happy to join as a hiking companion and photographer. I also put together personalised 1:1 New Zealand itineraries tailored to how you like to travel, whether that’s more hiking days, quieter trails, or a mix of both.
If you’re already planning and just want a second set of eyes on the route, the season, or the best photography spots, drop me a message. Happy to share what I know and help refine your plans so the trip feels like yours. You can get in touch with me through my contact form here.
Or, if you’re simply after more hikes and adventures like this, check out my other New Zealand travel guides for other hiking trails, photography locations, and outdoor adventures across the country. If you’re planning beyond New Zealand, you’ll also find plenty of inspiration in my international destination guides.
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FAQs
How hard is the Tama Lakes Track?
Moderate overall. The first half is gentle and well-formed. The final climb to the Upper Tama Lake viewpoint is steeper, rockier, and more exposed. This is where most of the effort is.
Is the Tama Lakes Track a good alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
Yes, definitely! This is one of the most common reasons people choose it. You still get big volcanic views of Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, crater lakes, and alpine terrain, but without the shuttle logistics, crowds, or the steeper, more exposed sections of the Crossing. It’s often called the Crossing’s quieter little sibling.
Can you swim in the Tama Lakes?
No. DOC specifically asks that you do not touch or swim in the water to keep these pristine alpine lakes free of weeds and contaminants. The lakes are also extremely cold.
Is the Tama Lakes Hike suitable for children or less experienced hikers?
Older, fit kids and reasonably experienced walkers can manage it, but the length (17–19 km) and the rocky upper section make it better suited to those with decent fitness and hiking experience. The Taranaki Falls section alone is much more family-friendly if you want a shorter option.
Can you hike Tama Lakes in winter?
Yes, but the upper section to the viewpoint can hold snow and ice. Alpine skills and equipment (crampons, ice axe, etc.) may be required. Always check the forecast and current conditions with the Tongariro Visitor Centre.
Is there water available on the track?
No reliable drinking water sources. Carry at least 2 litres per person (more on hot days) as the trail is largely exposed.
Are there toilets on the Tama Lakes Track?
Yes, there are toilets along the way, which is genuinely useful on a longer day like this.
Do I need any special gear?
Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential for the rocky upper section. Because the track is so exposed, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), windproof layers, and plenty of water are non-negotiable. A PLB is recommended if you’re going solo.
Is the upper viewpoint worth the extra effort?
Most people who push on say yes and I would second that. The final climb is the hardest part of the day, but the views over Upper Tama Lake with both volcanoes in the frame are the highlight for many.
Is it safe to hike solo?
Yes, from personal experience, it is very safe to hike solo. The track is well-marked and reasonably well-used. Standard alpine precautions still apply: tell someone your plans, carry enough water/food, check the weather, and take a PLB.
Can you camp near the Tama Lakes?
Official camping is not permitted within 500m of the Northern Circuit Track or within 200m of other tracks except at designated campsites. Some people do wild camp near the upper viewpoint, but this sits in a grey area. Whakapapa Holiday Park in the village is the straightforward option.
Is there phone reception?
Reception is patchy but available on many parts of the track. Don’t rely on it entirely.
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A SUMMARY OF THE TAMA LAKES HIKE
Trail Overview: Moderate 19 km day hike in Tongariro National Park starting from Whakapapa Village. Combines the Taranaki Falls loop with viewpoints of Lower and Upper Tama Lakes (crater lakes) set between Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. Open tussock, rocky alpine sections, and big volcanic views throughout.
Key Stats: Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles). Elevation: 550 m. Duration: 4.5 hours. Difficulty: Moderate. Trail Type: Loop (with Taranaki Falls). Open year-round.
Best For: Hikers wanting volcanic scenery and crater lakes without the Tongariro Alpine Crossing crowds or shuttle logistics. Ideal for solo walkers, photographers, and anyone looking for a full but manageable day in the park.
Access & Logistics: Starts at the Taranaki Falls Carpark (end of Ngauruhoe Terrace, ~14 spaces — arrive early). 35–40 min from Tūrangi, ~1.5 hrs from Taupō. No booking required for the day hike itself.
Tips: Start early for cooler temperatures, softer light, and easier parking. The track is largely exposed — sunscreen, hat, and 2+ litres of water are essential. Good shoes needed for the rocky upper section. Toilets are available along the way.
Nearby Attractions: Taranaki Falls (built into the route), Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Whakapapa Village short walks, and the ski area in winter.
Safety & Practicality: Well-marked and solo-friendly, but still alpine terrain. Tell someone your plans, carry a PLB if going alone, and check weather/conditions with the Visitor Centre. No swimming in the lakes. Camping not permitted near the track except at designated sites (Whakapapa Holiday Park is the practical base).