Tongariro Alpine Crossing

In the volcanic heart of New Zealand's North Island, about four hours south of Auckland, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing runs 12 miles across an active volcanic plateau. The route climbs past old lava flows to Red Crater, then drops past the Emerald Lakes, small crater lakes colored bright green by minerals, with Mount Ngauruhoe, the volcano that played Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings, rising beside the trail, and takes most walkers six to eight hours. Walk it between November and April, when the high track is free of snow. Strong alpine winds can close the track at short notice.