Lower Tama Lake

Lower Tama Lake is a stunning crater lake located on the western side of the Tongariro National Park in New Zealand's North Island. It is situated near the base of Mount Ngauruhoe, which is a prominent volcanic peak and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region. The lake is part of the Tama Lakes Track, which is a 17.6 km return track that takes an average of 6 to 8 hours to complete. The track is undulating and showcases some of the best that Tongariro National Park has to offer, inc

From here, the track is not formed and is made of loose and uneven rock. There are no facilities at the lake, so hikers should bring their own food and water.

The Tama Lakes Track is a fantastic alternative to the more commercialized and often overcrowded Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Whereas the Crossing is one of New Zealand’s premier attractions, hiked by tens of thousands of tourists each year, the Tama Lakes Track is less known to many day hikers. The wild at heart may find themselves longing for an unspoiled, wilder, and more genuine escape into the heart of New Zealand’s alpine wilderness. Much of the track to the Tama Lakes forms part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of only three of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Generally, the best time to hike to Tama Lakes is in the summer months. You’ll then have the best chance of clear skies when the weather is generally mild and dry. The summer season in New Zealand runs from December to February with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) in the daytime. However, spring and autumn can be great months too for the Tama Lakes track. But clouds could be more obstructing the view. Being an alpine terrain, the weather can vary a lot, and it is recommended to stop in at the visitor center before starting the hike to get the latest weather updates. The Tama Lakes Track is a 16km hike with 500 meters or so of elevation, and it is not over-touristed. It is a good Tongariro Alpine Crossing alternative if you’ve done it before and/or can’t get shuttles booked. The track isn’t a complete in-and-out track as you can add the full Taranaki Falls loop track onto your day. Dogs are not allowed on the Tama Lakes Track as it is in Tongariro National Park, which is a 100% no-go zone for dogs. There are no facilities at the lake, so hikers should bring their own food and water.