For those who are not staying in Tongariro National Park or including this in their visit to New Zealand, you can also hike the famous Tongariro Crossing from Taupo.
A shuttle will pick you up very early in the morning (around 05.30 am) and drop you off at the trailhead at Mangatepopo. You then have all day to include this iconic hike, before you are taken back to Taupo. The Tongariro Crossing is the most amazing dayhike in New Zealand but should only be done if you are fit and an experienced hiker, it’s not for the faint hearted.