Because, this is not a loop track! Escape to Ruapehu, just half a day and a world away from our biggest cities, you’ll arrive in a living landscape that’s home to ancient rainforests, active volcanoes, sacred mountains, tranquil rivers, and two of our cherished national parks. The track is well marked but you should have at least a basic map with you. I’m about to break down each section of the Tongariro Crossing hike and describe what the trail is like and how long it should take the average person. I really wish I had had this information before the hike, so you’re welcome. Be prepared! Unexpected winds have the ability to create cool, dry conditions, and for unprepared hikers on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this can mean immediate danger. You can also rent jackets, over-trousers and other hiking equipment in the towns surrounding the Tongariro National Park. Take: Food and plenty of fluid, especially in the summer months. are good layers. All you need to know about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. As a DOC licensed concessionaire for the crossing we are required to ensure people have all that they need to walk enjoy the national park safely. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing generally takes between 7 - 8 hours. Length (time) for the Tongariro Alpine crossing. The Tongariro National Park is rich in both cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is stunning all year round, and undertaking a hike of almost 20kms over an active volcano, is testing for most people. It will take between 6-9 hours to complete the hike, which doesn’t include the time spent getting to and from the carparks. Waterproof overtrousers are good to have also. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in the 80,000ha of Tongariro National Park New Zealand, a dual world heritage site. Learn all about it here. Tongariro National Park can be subject to unpredictable weather, and conditions can change quickly. The track takes 6-9 hours to complete depending on how you approach it. Find your happy place. We rode the Northern Express train from Auckland, stopped in Ohakune for two nights to do the Crossing, and continued on to Wellington. Perhaps most notably, Tongariro National Park is home to the wildly popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike. This is a 19.4-kilometer hike. Are you backpacking without a … Going prepared is always good hiking educate and shows a good understanding of safety in the outdoors. With a broad range of activities on offer, there's a whole lot in Ruapehu to experience. World renowned Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park set the backdrop for a truly unique New Zealand experience. My wife and I did the Tongariro Crossing on February 8, 2019. Ruapehu is home to first class eating establishments and unique boutique shopping experiences. If you are planning on completing any of the summit tracks, ensure you have additional water supplies. and als… Take into account that from Turangi, the Tongariro Crossing starting point is still a 40 min drive, and the pick-up point is about 30 minutes by car to Turangi. Website developed by Responsive, 26th Saturday- Boxing Day, Layer up forecast is cold, early rain, All bookings are 100% refundable & transferrable, Tongariro Alpine Crossing Winter Brochure. Volcanic monitoring systems monitor activity and mitigate volcanic risk, but won't ensure your personal safety. There is no entrance fee. Tongariro Crossing is a relatively long and challenging hike so go well equipped! To hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing safely and in comfort, it is essential to plan well in advance and ensure that you are packing for any condition. The first time we hiked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we woke up to a dark and foggy landscape. Transportation and parking at Tongariro Alpine Crossing Car park. The Tongariro. You need plenty of warm and waterproof clothing to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Tongariro National Park is located right in the center of the North Island of New Zealand and contains a large part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone.There are three volcanoes in the park: Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. This car park for hikers who plan to do only short walks to the surrounding area. The mountains of Tongariro are considered sacred in the local Maori culture, and it became New Zealand’s first national park in 1894. The Tongariro Crossing hike begins a 20-minute drive from the town of National Park. Wind. But you might want to make a budget for an accommodation and the shuttle service. Preparation is key and will ensure you have a fantastic, comfortable experience. By Clare Groom. If you don’t own your own gear, some of the transport operators have waterproof clothing and walking boots available for hire. The most up to date information for the track. The Tongariro National Park is a world class alpine wilderness, but like any outdoor environment, it can also be harsh and unforgiving at any time of the year including the autumn months. Sunscreen I burnt more on the Tongariro Crossing than I did spending all day on a beach in the far north of Australia. Alpine. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the most popular and arguably also the most rewarding day hike in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is known as New Zealand’s best one day walk, and each year, more than 100,000 people experience this spectacular trek. The weather can spin on a dime in the mountains, and calm blue skies can often change to a fully fledged blizzard in the space of a few hours. To hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing safely and in comfort, it is essential to plan well in advance and ensure that you are packing for any condition. We recommend bringing the following with you: A hand/head torch – required only for those starting their hike before sunrise. Quite a few children were walking the trail (overheard toward the end, "Dad, I'm never going for a walk with you again."Ha!) Crossing. Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts, are NOT suitable or safe. You can also rent jackets, over-trousers and other hiking equipment in the towns surrounding the Tongariro National Park.We strongly recommend joining a friendly guide. Accommodation, shuttle service, guides and great valued packages are available from National Park Village. Day walks are a great way to enjoy New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes. Then, with no shade for hours on end, it can get pretty hot too. Cost of Tongariro crossing. It is important that all walkers carry the essentials for their journey across. It used to simply be called “Tongariro Crossing“, but was renamed in 2007 to the more-apt “Tongariro Alpine Crossing“, giving hapless tourists a clearer picture of the conditions they could expect to encounter… especially during winter! Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts, are NOT suitable or safe. – You should set aside a whole day to hike the Tongariro crossing. Let’s get into the nitty gritty! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. What to bring: Tongariro Crossing Guide- Essentials: Water: You will need plenty as there are no fresh water drinking sources on the track! Tongariro National Park is located on the North Island of New Zealand. New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site. Arguably New Zealand’s best day hike, the Tongariro Crossing hike, is situated in the center of New Zealand’s North Island. It has been labelled as the world’s greatest day hike and with all the different unique landscapes and amazing scenic views on this hike, we can only agree with that statement. Where does the Tongariro Alpine Crossing start and finish? Starting point: Mangatepopo Car Park; Pick-up point (finish): Keterahi Rd; See map below. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. What to Bring Water (Minimum of 1-2 litres), lunch, Personal medications (e.g. It starts at Mangetepopo and through the saddle between the two mountains (Tongariro and Ngauruhoe), up to a peak and then downwards through a few lakes created by craters and finally down to Ketetahi. If the weather is better than expected, we take advantage of that. This is one of the most common Tongariro Alpine Crossing FAQs. Unless you are planning to take two cars and leave one at the end of the hike (parking is limited to 4 hours during the summer months) you will need to book shuttle transport to the start and back from the end of the Tongariro Crossing. The Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. Bring food that is lightweight and high energy, such as cereal bars, dried fruit/nuts, crackers/sandwiches, fresh fruit, Water is not available on the track (stream and lake water is not OK to drink). Tongariro Crossing Shuttles are local to the crossing area, so we can monitor the weather first hand. Weather can change drastically on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. All rights reserved. A light lunch – we recommend … Tongariro Crossing need to know: – The Tongariro Crossing is a one way hike. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc. That’s another reason why this walk is so popular. Book your Tongariro Alpine Crossing guide or transport here and travel with the experts, Warm wool, polypropylene, or fleece base layers (tops and leggings), Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good soles. In … The nearest town is Turangi, which is about a 20 minute drive from the park, or a 4 hour drive from Auckland or Wellington. ), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots/shoes, walking trousers, 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. Whether it’s adrenaline you’re after or relaxing with a good coffee enjoying the scenery, Ruapehu boasts easily accessible, family friendly activities to suit all palates. You need plenty of warm and waterproof clothing to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. © 2016 Visit Ruapehu. Turangi – Tongariro Crossing. It is well worth the effort to pack some extra layers before you venture outside into the crisp mountain air. ... Bring a hat to protect your head, neck and face. Boots are better as they give ankle support and are normally waterproof, Food is not available for purchase on the track. Attempting the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter brings with it a new set of challenges. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4km long but the amount of time it takes you to complete the trek will depend on the conditions. A printable flyer contain all the information you need to know before your hike. The trail runs through an active volcanic region in the midst of Tongariro National Park, which is home to the iconic mountains of Ruapehu, Tongariro and the famous Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings (Mt Ngauruhoe). Callum gave us a lot of good advice on what to bring and expect and suggesting alternative hikes when our first day didn't work out weather wise to do the crossing. The sun is seriously strong. Sun, warmish down the bottom and no snow on Tongariro. If you don’t own your own gear, some of the transport operators have waterproof clothing and walking boots available for hire. From camping and backpackers, to luxury lodges and chateaus, Ruapehu has just about every style of bed (and breakfast) you can imagine. Winter is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Mt Tongariro with a guide. If attempting the Tongariro Northern Circuit in that time, you'll need additional equipment. There is a limited 4-hour period car park if you wish to park at the end of Mangatepopo Road (the beginning of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail). Tongariro Alpine Crossing in early spring and summer. "We took advantage of the shuttle to and from the Tongariro crossing. So it’s best to bring a little bit of everything clothes-wise and layer up. How long does the Tongariro Alpine Crossing take? Leave your vehicle parked safely at your accommodation or the transport hub and let us do the driving for you. Wherever you go, you need to have a plan. A day walk in the outdoors can easily turn into an unexpected night out. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing should not be taken lightly and you must be properly equipped to undertake this walk. All you need to pay for is the shuttle that will bring you to the start of the walk! Route, Map, Transport, Shuttle, What to take and wear to plan your trip. Gear for all seasons: The Tongariro alpine crossing is known for its changeable weather conditions. When it comes to day hikes around the world I have a hard time believing that there are too many others out there that are better than this one. History & Culture. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing passes through volcanic hazard zones – even when the track is open, volcanic risk is present. What to bring. The Tongariro Crossing is classified as an Alpine Crossing. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way 19.4 trail. About Tongariro National Park. 5. See Walking the Tongariro Northern Circuit outside the Great Walks season Tongariro Expeditions recommend hikers to be prepared with sunglasses, a hat/beanie, sunblock with an SPF rating of at least 50+ and plenty of water to counter symptoms of dehydration. Bring a water bottle or hydration pack of 1 - 3 litres, First aid kit (sunscreen, blister kits, pain relief, band-aids/bandages, personal medications), Map and compass or GPS. Depending on the time of year, the weather conditions will impact how you dress and pack for the hike. A lot of people were undertaking the 19.4km (12+ mile) walk so conversations, huffing and a lot of puffing floated around on the thin alpine air. Completely free! If you are uncomfortable with this risk, choose a different track. For convenience, we also opted to have them pack us a lunch (they were able to make it vegetarian) for the hike. Tongariro Crossing Shuttle. Toilet paper: Some toilets have it, some don’t. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is, quite frankly, one of the best things you can do in New Zealand. We were told by our shuttle driver that the fog usually disappears once the sun comes up, so we went ahead and started the hike. Poor visibility on the Tongariro Crossing. My cousin and I drove down from Rotorua at the end of high season in April and managed to catch a perfect day. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 6. That means it’s a relatively high elevation and seriously prone to extreme weather, i.e alpine conditions. Is the walk free? The usual direction starts from Mangatepopo car park and ends at Ketetahi car park. what to bring on the tongariro crossing There are a few things to consider whilst embarking on the challenging yet awe-inspiring journey across the remarkable volcanic landscape. Remember to always stay vigilant! It’s the most famous day hike in New Zealand, and it allows you to experience the best of the Tongariro National Park. Tongariro Crossing Hike Trail Notes. For safety reasons the Tongariro Northern Circuit doesn't operate as a Great Walk/Easier tramping track during May to October. From STUNNING scenery to volcanic landscapes to geothermal activity, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has it all and much, much more. 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