The Tongariro Crossing is a
moderate-level hike
and, given its length and difficult terrain, requires hikers to be of a good level of fitness. It is not wise to expect you can tackle the Tongariro Crossing without some level of training prior to your walk.
How do you prepare for a Tongariro Crossing?
- a water/windproof jacket and pants, hat and gloves, sunscreen and wear warm, layered clothing.
- sturdy footwear such as tramping/hiking boots.
- head torch and mobile phone.
- plenty of food and water – water along the track isn’t suitable for drinking.
How many toilets are on the Tongariro Crossing?
There are
three toilets
along the crossing, one at each end (at the carparks) and one at soda springs, which is 1 hr in from the typically starting point. Only the toilets at the carparks have toilet paper so pack some tissues just in case.
Can you walk Tongariro Crossing in rain?
For your safety, it is essential that you are properly prepared to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
It is not safe to go in poor visibility, heavy rain or snow
, or strong wind. The walk to Tama Lakes from Whakapapa Village is a good alternative day walk in suitable weather conditions.
How long is the Tongariro walk?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging, yet rewarding,
19.4 km (12 mile)
hike across an active volcanic landscape.
Is Tongariro Crossing scary?
The descent from Red Crater Summit is perhaps the scariest part of the hike
(for me that is) as it is very steep and slippery with volcano rocks and gravel. I did not see a single person who did not slip while descending and even with poles I had a hard time coming down.
Can you swim in the Emerald Lakes Tongariro?
Both the Emerald and Blue Lakes in Tongariro are
not suitable for swimming
but each has a different reason behind the rule. The Emerald Lakes are very cold and highly acidic.
What is the best time of year to do the Tongariro Crossing?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be hiked any time of the year, making it one of the most popular and (at times) crowded trails in New Zealand. The busiest, but also the best time to hike is over the summer season from
December to February
as it offers the most-stable weather conditions.
Can children walk the Tongariro Crossing?
The recommended start age for hikers on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is
10-12 years old
. While some younger children may be able to complete the hike with no difficulty, others may tire and need to be carried.
Can you take dogs on the Tongariro Crossing?
The Tongariro Crossing is managed by the Department of Conservation. Some things to remember include:
Do not take dogs or other animals into the reserve
.
Can you hike Tongariro in winter?
Walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter requires special skills and preparation
. Additional hazards are present: snow and ice, avalanche risk, and sub-zero temperatures. If you are well prepared and are a competent winter alpine tramper, it can be a fantastic experience.
What is the hardest part of the Tongariro Crossing?
Your quadriceps and knees will work hard on the
10km down hill
. If you have bad knees the down hill can be a struggle and good reason to consider not doing the Crossing.
Does it cost money to do the Tongariro Crossing?
“So does it cost to hike the Alpine Trail (without a guide)?” The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a day trip with limited car parking – walkers are encouraged to catch a shuttle to the start of the walk and a shuttle back to their accommodation
($35 return
).
Is there phone reception on Tongariro Crossing?
+ Is there cellphone coverage on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track?
The is limited coverage over most of the track for most providers
– however once you commence the downhill leg from Ketetahi Hut coverage can be very sketchy and almost non existent until you reach the end carpark.
How cold is Tongariro Crossing?
How hot or cold does it get on the Crossing? The average temperature for the 16-17 season was
6 degrees Celsius
*. The start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 1100m above sea level. So it is not unusual to have a frost first thing in the morning, even during summer months.
What do you wear to Tongariro Crossing?
- Water Proof Jacket. Yes, you do need to take a rain jacket on a sunny day. …
- Warm Layers. Packing extra warm layers is also essential, even on a fine day. …
- Warm Hat. A warm hat to keep your head warm can be a life saver in cold conditions. …
- Sturdy Foot Wear. Sturdy foot wear is a must. …
- Food & Water. …
- Sun Protection. …
- Map.
Which mountain is Tongariro?
Mount Tongariro
(/ˈtɒŋɡərɪroʊ/; Māori: [tɔŋaɾiɾɔ]) is a compound volcano in the Taupō Volcanic Zone of the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 20 kilometres (12 mi) to the southwest of Lake Taupō, and is the northernmost of the three active volcanoes that dominate the landscape of the central North Island.
How many great walks are there in New Zealand?
New Zealand has
nine
Great Walks in total—with five on the South Island, three on the North Island, and one on Stewart Island—centered in some of the country’s most iconic scenery.
How many people can walk the crossing on a busy day?
It is the most popular day hike in New Zealand so expect crowds.
During the shoulder seasons, you can expect up to 800 hikers per day
and during the summer you can expect up to 3000 hikers per day.
How hard is Tongariro Northern Circuit?
Discover this 27.9-mile loop trail near Owhango, Manawatu-Wanganui.
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 13 h 1 min to complete
. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
How do you walk on a scree?
When going up a scree slope,
scuff your feet and dig your toes in to get a firm footing
. Sturdy shoes or boots will help with traction. Only transfer your weight when you’ve got a secure footing. To head down, face outwards and kick your heels in on every step.
Can you climb Mt Tongariro?
How Long Does the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Take?
Most hikers complete the hike in 6-8 hours, although you can do it faster if you are very fit of course
. The walk itself starts at around 1100m and the main track peaks at around 1880m, with the option of climbing to the summit of both Tongariro and Ngauruhoe as you go.
Where does Tongariro Crossing start?
The track is a one way 19.4km hike that takes 7–8 hours (allow for a full day). It starts at
Mangatepōpō Road end
and ends at Ketetahi Road end. The best way to get to the start of the track is by shuttle. You can arrange transport through the Taupō i-SITE or Turangi i-SITE or see the list of operators below.
Can you swim in Ruapehu Crater lake?
Mt Ruapehu is full of popular hiking trails, from easy to difficult, with the most challenging in the area being the Crater Climb. This one is for experienced mountaineers only. The water in the lake may seem warm and inviting, but it’s really acidic, and
definitely not safe for swimming
.
Can you drive through Tongariro National Park?
No, you have to walk the Crossing or take a scenic flight to see Emerald Lake
.
How high is red crater?
The summit of Red Crater (
1886 m
) is the highest point on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. From here the track descends steeply to Emerald Lakes and you can see across to the Blue Lake past the Central Crater.
