The Tongariro Crossing one day walk (7-8 hours) 17km's
  Known widely as 'The Best One Day Walk' In New Zealand, The World famous track starts at Mangatepopo carpark 6km off state highway 47. From there a well-marked track up the Mangatepopo Valley follows a gentle gradient to Soda Springs. It's a steep climb up to the Mangatepopo Saddle between Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. Poles lead across the South Crater to the track's highpoint at Red Crater(height of 1886m), a still active and steaming vent.
Beyond Red Crater the track passes Emerald Lakes and skirts Te Wai-Whakaata-o-te Rangihiroa(Blue Lake).
From here the route descends to Ketetahi Hut and skirts the nearby springs down through native forest to the car park. November through May is the normal season for the walk.

- Side trips -
   Mt Ngauruhoe(2287m) : This is not a poled route. From the base of Mt Ngauruhoe at Mangatepopo Saddle, climb directly up to Mt. Ngauruhoe's crater. The best way is up the rocky  ridge to the left of the scree slopes. The summit area is dangerous and should be avoided if there are signs of increased volcanic activity. Allow 1 - 1 and 1/2 hours up(from Saddle) and 30 minutes down.
  Mt Tongariro summit(1967m) : From Red Crater follow the poled route leading to the summit. Allow 1 and 1/2 ~ 2 hours return.

- Be prepared -
   What to Bring
• Food and plenty of fluid, especially on hot days.
• Rainproof coat (overtrousers are a good idea too)
• Sturdy boots. Uneven volcanic terrain can be difficult and tiring to walk on
• Warm woollen or polypropylene clothing - cotton clothes don't keep you warm when its wet
• Woollen hat and gloves or mittens
• Sun protection
• Personal first aid kit
• Map and compass - important in poor visibility
  
  In winter you many also need :
• Ice axe and crampons - know how to use them.
• Snow gaiters

  You could also consider :
• Avalanche probe/snow shovel
• Avalanche transceiver
• Cellphone for emergencies

- Weather -
  Tongariro National Park weather can change with alarming speed. You mush be prepared for all weather conditions. The weather in the car park can be totally different to what's going on nearly 1000 meters higher and further up the track. Be prepared to change your plans and turn back, especially when visibility is poor and in strong winds.