South Crater
Crater Volcanic crater within North Island volcanic region
South Crater in New Zealand names a volcanic depression accessed from alpine trails; mountaineers and day-hikers visit for crater crossings, volcanic terrain and high-country views.
South Crater is a volcanic crater on the Tongariro volcanic massif on New Zealand’s central North Island. It is one of the volcanic features encountered on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
As part of the alpine crossing, the crater provides close-up views of volcanic terrain, including ash-strewn slopes and other nearby vents and crater features. The route across the area is alpine in character and exposed to weather, so walkers commonly use marked tracks and prepare for rapid changes in conditions.
South Crater formed as part of the ongoing volcanic activity of the Tongariro complex, which has produced multiple vents and pyroclastic deposits over thousands of years. The landscape reflects repeated eruptions and phreatic activity typical of the massif.
The crater sits within Tongariro National Park on the central North Island, on the route commonly used by the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- Alpine Crossing: Forms part of the Tongariro volcanic complex and is traversed by the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand's most popular day hikes.
Best Time to Visit South Crater #
Weather & Climate near South Crater #
South Crater's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -3°C to 19°C. Heavy rainfall (2538 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (210 mm).
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (257 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (309 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (225 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (230 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (276 mm).
