"And another peak to climb." National Park Off The Beaten Path Tip by kiwi

With plenty of time and energy you can make a side trip to the summit of Mt Tongariro. This mountain is a cluster of many volcano craters, and you are essentially walking on it the whole time. But you can visit the summit (1967m) from the main path. From the rim of the South Crater before you descend to the Emerald Lakes, there is a marked poled track to this summit. Allow 1½ - 2 hrs.