One more, less popular option, is to walk the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk (3-4 days). Return via the same track or if you organized a transport – continue the track and enjoy the view of the volcanoes, craters and Ketetahi Falls (almost at the end of the track). It’s a gentle climb (doesn’t feel like a real climb) which has a few short stairs and follows the Mangatepopo stream with a couple of tiny waterfalls on it. This part of the track, from the parking to the springs, is relatively easy. The waterfall is impressive after rain, but in a dry summer, there could be little or no water at all. In good weather, it’s a nice spot for a breakfast/lunch. A closer approach is possible – just follow a 10-minutes’ track to reach the waterfall's base. From the parking follow the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for 1-1.5hrs (depends on the level of fitness) until beginning of the real climb (there is a DOC sign saying something line ‘Are you really sure you wanna do this track?’ =) ).įrom here you will see the Soda Springs on your left. During the rush hours (most likely) you won’t find a space to park your car.

If you use your own car, then arrive very early or very late. Due to super-popularity of the track, the parking is always busy. There is a huge car park at the end of Mangatepopo Rd, which has toilets. A comfortable bus will drop you at the beginning of the track. If you organize transport to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track, you don't need to worry about the road. Turn right into Mangatepopo Rd, which is a gravel road, and follow it for the next 6km until you reach a car park. We recommend a 4-WD vehicle for this trip.įrom National Park travel east on the SH-47 for 13.5km until you see a sign ‘Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track’. Mangatepopo Rd is not a well-maintained road with gravel surface as well as huge holes and cracks on it. Soda Springs are roughly 30 minutes’ drive away from either National Park or Whakapapa Village or 1.5 hours’ from Taupo.

Soda springs