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 at a Glance#
About South Crater#
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 5° - 19° | 12° | 174 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 5° - 19° | 12° | 180 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 4° - 16° | 8° | 171 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 12° | 3° | 139 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -1° - 7° | -1° | 176 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -2° - 4° | -4° | 210 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -3° - 3° | -5° | 191 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -3° - 4° | -5° | 257 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -2° - 7° | -2° | 309 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 0° - 11° | 1° | 225 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 2° - 15° | 5° | 230 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 4° - 17° | 10° | 276 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
