A spa is a great place to relax outdoors and reflect on your day of trekking through alpine terrain. We are just 15 minutes from the Tongariro Crossing’s starting point and only 25 minutes from its finishing point. You don’t need to drive anywhere if you use our shuttle service. The alpine terrain, steep sections and slippery tracks mean hikers definitely have to have their wits about them. The Tongariro Crossing is dangerous if not walked carefully. Trekking the Tongariro Crossing in winter is a truly magnificent experience.
The trail takes in some of the most dramatic landscapes you will ever see — cold mountain springs, ancient lava flows, steam vents and the spectacular Emerald Lakes. Even if you’re an active person, a guided walk is a good option for safety and comfort. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is hiked by many, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s full of steep climbs, and, being alpine, prone to unpredictable weather. Parking at either end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is restricted to four hours during the summer season , which is not long enough to complete the hike and return to your vehicle. Book a return shuttle to get you to the hike.
This passion oozes out when guiding trekkers over the crossing with his company Adrift Tongariro. Boots are better as they give ankle support and are normally waterproof. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential in case of wet/windy weather. The trail leads from South Crater upwards towards Red Crater, the highest point of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The track can be walked in either direction. However, the most popular option starts at Mangatepopo Valley.
Some years there’s a lot of snow on the track during these months and other years there’s little. If you’re considering the Crossing during these months you should seek expert local advice. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is hiked all year round. The summer hiking season is from November through to the end of April. Around 130,000 people will hike the Crossing during this time.
How To Pack For A Day Walk
Find out more about hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter here. You need special skills and preparation to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter. An ice axe and crampons are essential, as is competency using them.
Weather is constantly changing, and forecasts can be difficult to predict. This is especially true in alpine areas such as the Tongariro National Park. You can book it online. All you need is a credit card and a phone number. You can also book through any I-site in New Zealand. You can also arrange it through your accommodation in National Park Village.
You can find beautiful video content on our Walking Legends YouTube channel, featuring stunning footage of our guides showcasing the amazing scenery you’ll encounter on this walk. You may feel the effects from oxygen deficiency as you climb nearly 800m up to 1900m above sea-level. Red Crater’s descent requires coordination and balance because of the volcanic ash and scree beneathfoot. From this point you will be descending just over 1000m in altitude most of which is a good steady gradient. Finder.com is an independent information and comparison platform that aims to give you the tools you need for better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which compensation.
The Tongariro Alpine crossing can be walked either way and there are many side trips. For the latest information on access to Tongariro National Park please refer to the Department of Conservation’s Tongariro Facebook page . Passengers must still wear masks when they board our buses. Please do not travel if they have been tested positive for COVID symptoms. Hot soup in a small flask would be wonderful at the top too.
How Difficult Is The Tongariro Crossing?
He’s completed the Tongariro Crossing over 1500 times – that is equivalent to 1500 half-marathons above sea level. Beginning at Mangatepopo Valley near Whakapapa, the track follows a stream and the edges of old lava flows towards the valley head. Look out for varying patches of vegetation that best time to cross reveal the age of the surrounding lava rock. From a safety point of view the risky aspects are wind, rain and visibility. High winds are especially dangerous when combined with light rain. Occasionally low cloud cover does produce visibility problems.