The Tongariro National Park is rich in both cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery. History & Culture. Sunscreen I burnt more on the Tongariro Crossing than I did spending all day on a beach in the far north of Australia. A printable flyer contain all the information you need to know before your hike. Tongariro National Park can be subject to unpredictable weather, and conditions can change quickly. From STUNNING scenery to volcanic landscapes to geothermal activity, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has it all and much, much more. Tongariro Alpine Crossing in early spring and summer. The usual direction starts from Mangatepopo car park and ends at Ketetahi car park. © 2016 Visit Ruapehu. It is important that all walkers carry the essentials for their journey across. So it’s best to bring a little bit of everything clothes-wise and layer up. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing generally takes between 7 - 8 hours. Arguably New Zealand’s best day hike, the Tongariro Crossing hike, is situated in the center of New Zealand’s North Island. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the most popular and arguably also the most rewarding day hike in New Zealand. 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. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way 19.4 trail. If you are planning on completing any of the summit tracks, ensure you have additional water supplies. 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. Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts, are NOT suitable or safe. 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. Gear for all seasons: The Tongariro alpine crossing is known for its changeable weather conditions. This car park for hikers who plan to do only short walks to the surrounding area. 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. Attempting the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter brings with it a new set of challenges. If you don’t own your own gear, some of the transport operators have waterproof clothing and walking boots available for hire. 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. Weather can change drastically on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 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. This is a 19.4-kilometer hike. Wherever you go, you need to have a plan. The Tongariro Crossing hike begins a 20-minute drive from the town of National Park. The Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. 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. Tongariro Crossing is a relatively long and challenging hike so go well equipped! The track takes 6-9 hours to complete depending on how you approach it. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc. Leave your vehicle parked safely at your accommodation or the transport hub and let us do the driving for you. You need plenty of warm and waterproof clothing to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. If you are uncomfortable with this risk, choose a different track. ), 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. Take: Food and plenty of fluid, especially in the summer months. 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. 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. Perhaps most notably, Tongariro National Park is home to the wildly popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike. If the weather is better than expected, we take advantage of that. The track is well marked but you should have at least a basic map with you. Poor visibility on the Tongariro Crossing. The mountains of Tongariro are considered sacred in the local Maori culture, and it became New Zealand’s first national park in 1894. Transportation and parking at Tongariro Alpine Crossing Car park. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing should not be taken lightly and you must be properly equipped to undertake this walk. 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. World renowned Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park set the backdrop for a truly unique New Zealand experience. Route, Map, Transport, Shuttle, What to take and wear to plan your trip. 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. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is, quite frankly, one of the best things you can do in New Zealand. Be prepared! Quite a few children were walking the trail (overheard toward the end, "Dad, I'm never going for a walk with you again."Ha!) Wind. 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. For convenience, we also opted to have them pack us a lunch (they were able to make it vegetarian) for the hike. 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. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in the 80,000ha of Tongariro National Park New Zealand, a dual world heritage site. Remember to always stay vigilant! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Tongariro National Park is located on the North Island of New Zealand. My wife and I did the Tongariro Crossing on February 8, 2019. 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. 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. 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. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing. New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site. Ruapehu is home to first class eating establishments and unique boutique shopping experiences. Waterproof overtrousers are good to have also. Is the walk free? Turangi – Tongariro Crossing. Completely free! Are you backpacking without a … Length (time) for the Tongariro Alpine crossing. Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts, are NOT suitable or safe. Toilet paper: Some toilets have it, some don’t. There is no entrance fee. It will take between 6-9 hours to complete the hike, which doesn’t include the time spent getting to and from the carparks. – You should set aside a whole day to hike the Tongariro crossing. About Tongariro National Park. But you might want to make a budget for an accommodation and the shuttle service. Boots are better as they give ankle support and are normally waterproof, Food is not available for purchase on the track. I really wish I had had this information before the hike, so you’re welcome. A day walk in the outdoors can easily turn into an unexpected night out. A light lunch – we recommend … All you need to know about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 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. Because, this is not a loop track! 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. 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. Tongariro Crossing Shuttles are local to the crossing area, so we can monitor the weather first hand. Going prepared is always good hiking educate and shows a good understanding of safety in the outdoors. ... Bring a hat to protect your head, neck and face. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential. This is one of the most common Tongariro Alpine Crossing FAQs. "We took advantage of the shuttle to and from the Tongariro crossing. In … Crossing. Unexpected winds have the ability to create cool, dry conditions, and for unprepared hikers on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this can mean immediate danger. 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. Tongariro Crossing Hike Trail Notes. What to bring. 6. You need plenty of warm and waterproof clothing to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is well worth the effort to pack some extra layers before you venture outside into the crisp mountain air. 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. My cousin and I drove down from Rotorua at the end of high season in April and managed to catch a perfect day. The first time we hiked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we woke up to a dark and foggy landscape. Day walks are a great way to enjoy New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes. Preparation is key and will ensure you have a fantastic, comfortable experience. 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). How long does the Tongariro Alpine Crossing take? Then, with no shade for hours on end, it can get pretty hot too. 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. 5. 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). Cost of Tongariro crossing. With a broad range of activities on offer, there's a whole lot in Ruapehu to experience. See Walking the Tongariro Northern Circuit outside the Great Walks season By Clare Groom. The Tongariro Crossing is classified as an Alpine Crossing. It’s the most famous day hike in New Zealand, and it allows you to experience the best of the Tongariro National Park. Where does the Tongariro Alpine Crossing start and finish? Sun, warmish down the bottom and no snow on Tongariro. 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. It is well worth the effort to pack some extra layers before you venture outside into the crisp mountain air. The nearest town is Turangi, which is about a 20 minute drive from the park, or a 4 hour drive from Auckland or Wellington. Find your happy place. Volcanic monitoring systems monitor activity and mitigate volcanic risk, but won't ensure your personal safety. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing passes through volcanic hazard zones – even when the track is open, volcanic risk is present. From camping and backpackers, to luxury lodges and chateaus, Ruapehu has just about every style of bed (and breakfast) you can imagine. That’s another reason why this walk is so popular. and als… If attempting the Tongariro Northern Circuit in that time, you'll need additional equipment. Alpine. Tongariro Crossing Shuttle. The sun is seriously strong. 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). If you don’t own your own gear, some of the transport operators have waterproof clothing and walking boots available for hire. Accommodation, shuttle service, guides and great valued packages are available from National Park Village. The most up to date information for the track. Tongariro Crossing need to know: – The Tongariro Crossing is a one way hike. Depending on the time of year, the weather conditions will impact how you dress and pack for the hike. are good layers. All you need to pay for is the shuttle that will bring you to the start of the walk! All rights reserved. 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. What to bring: Tongariro Crossing Guide- Essentials: Water: You will need plenty as there are no fresh water drinking sources on the track! The Tongariro. Winter is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Mt Tongariro with a guide. Starting point: Mangatepopo Car Park; Pick-up point (finish): Keterahi Rd; See map below. Let’s get into the nitty gritty! What to Bring Water (Minimum of 1-2 litres), lunch, Personal medications (e.g. We rode the Northern Express train from Auckland, stopped in Ohakune for two nights to do the Crossing, and continued on to Wellington. 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. Learn all about it here. For safety reasons the Tongariro Northern Circuit doesn't operate as a Great Walk/Easier tramping track during May to October. 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! We recommend bringing the following with you: A hand/head torch – required only for those starting their hike before sunrise. 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