New Zealand North Island Tongariro National Park, 3 Sisters, Waterfalls and more... Tongariro National Park The national parks in New Zealand are free for all to enter, hike the trails and see the sights. One of the best day walks in all of New Zealand is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing within the Tongariro National Park. While it is one of the best walks, it is not for the faint of heart. The Alpine Crossing hike (or track as they are called in NZ) is 12 miles (20.2 km) one way with a 3923 ft (1196 m) elevation gain. The website for the Alpine Crossing describes the track as 'steep and undulating'. We can attest that is an accurate description. Mt Ngauruhoe from the Alpine Crossing Track Because the trail is 12 miles one way and this is a day hike, most people pay for a shuttle to take you to the start of the trail. The shuttles are operated by private companies and several options are available. There are also shuttles that ...