When adventure writer Richard Tulloch refers to the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand as ” the world’s greatest one day hike”, we don’t argue.
It’s fantastic.
If there’s one valid criticism, it’s that the tramp is too popular. On a clear day you’ll be only one of thousands of walkers.
Richard had some advice new to me. He signed on …
… with a tour group guided by Stewart and Chris from Adrift Outdoors, who have devised cunning ways of seeing the best of the area while avoiding the crowds.
Stewart guides walks starting in the dark to catch the sunrise, winter expeditions with crampons and ice-axes, as well as today’s planned adventure, an ‘off track’ loop taking us to the summit of Mt Tongariro itself, and across a part of the park where few people go. …
details on his blog: Richard Tulloch’s LIFE ON THE ROAD – TONGARIRO CROSSING – the world’s greatest one day hike?
besthike information page – Tongariro Alpine Crossing
An even better way to avoid the mob is our favourite multi-day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Northern Circuit. It includes all of the famed “Crossing”.
besthike.com 
I agree: the Crossing is great, but the Northern Circuit is Top Ten.
Did the TAC on Easter Saturday. The bus driver at Base Camp reckoned there could be UP TO 2000 walkers on that day!! Even though we were part of that “crowd” at no point did we feel crowded – in fact, hearing a number of foreign accents added to the experience
Tongariro is an awesome mountain