Transportation and parking at Tongariro Alpine Crossing Car park. "The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not a memorable experience for the right reasons on a bad day. It's not necessarily for everyone. We will go over everything you need to know to have an awesome and enjoyable trek. Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. SAFETY The descent from Red Crater demands extra care. Always check Sometimes we go on hold till another forecast comes out to ensure we get it right. "The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not a memorable experience for the right reasons on a bad day. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is FREE to hike, enjoy and respectfully preserve. Kaumātua Te Ngaehe Wanikau asks visitors to the area to respect the sanctity of the maunga tapu (sacred mountains) by not touching or entering any of the waterways including the alpine lakes. Have a memorable and safe experience with the following approved Tongariro Alpine Crossing guiding companies: Mangatepopo Valley in winterImage: Zhi Yuen Yap, South Crater in winterImage: Zhi Yuen Yap. Volcanic monitoring systems monitor activity and mitigate volcanic risk, but won't ensure your personal safety. Grade: Moderate - allow 30 minutes. "So our message is it's a very challenging hike. To book a guided hike of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing ring Whakapapa iSite on +64 7 892 3075. Part of the shuttle fee of about $40 helps DOC with conservation projects. Walking the track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people. In forested areas, you may see bellbird/korimak, tūī, New Zealand robin/toutouwai, tomtit/miromiro, fantail/pīwakawaka and maybe New Zealand's smallest bird the rifleman/titipounamu. 1 Tongariro Alpine Crossing transport and guiding has three seasons – summer season, winter season and mid season (autumn-spring) – which determine the best way to tackle the Crossing and the costs involved. After passing Blue Lake, also known as Te Wai-whakaata-o-te-Rangihiroa (Rangihiroa’s mirror), the track sidles around the northern slope of Tongariro, then descends in a zigzag track down to the road end at 760 m. Wear strong, rigid boots to prevent slips when descending the steep scree slope from Red Crater. Keep safe. If we cancel there is a very good reason. Ngatoroirangi, the founding ancestor of Ngāti Tuwharetoa, the local iwi (Māori tribe), ascended the great mountains of the Central Plateau 30 generations ago. Take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and snow shovel, and be competent using them. Soda Springs: 15-minute side trip from the head of Mangatepopo Valley, where you will find an oasis for the moisture-loving, yellow buttercups and white foxgloves. Weather on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Map of avalanche terrain on Tongariro Alpine Crossing (PDF, 1721K). If you ever find yourself looking for a Tongariro Alpine Crossing winter alternative, don’t be afraid to seek advice at the information centre – that’s what they’re there for! Toilets are every 1–2 hr along the track. If applied: If conditions are poor, try alternatives such as Taranaki Falls Walking Track or Tama Lakes Track. We offer multiple departure and return times daily, to and from a pick up point near you, including the brand new National Park Village transport hub. You know most people find that they don't enjoy the track … The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way 19.4km track. Ngauruhoe and Mt. The Tongariro Crossing will be in snowy winter conditions and should only be attempted with the appropriate knowledge and gear. https://www.doc.govt.nz/.../things-to-do/tracks/tongariro-northern-circuit Snow and ice, avalanche risk and subzero temperatures exist on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This is rare as we would cancel if we think this is a possibility but you need to know it could happen. Always take a head torch. Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Steam vents (fumaroles) should not be approached – steam is very hot, the ground can be unstable and severe burns are possible. We then pick you up from the start of the track again. The 21.4 km track leads up to the saddle between Mt. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in the 80,000ha of Tongariro National Park New Zealand, a dual world heritage site. From June to October, snow and ice means alpine skills and experience are essential - it's best to go with guide or choose another track. You know most people find that they don't enjoy the track at all if they choose to go over in bad weather. Daylight hours are short and temperatures are often below freezing. Steam vents (fumaroles) should not be approached – steam is very hot, the ground can be unstable and severe burns are possible. In the winter months, from May to October, snow and ice covers much of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in the 80,000ha of Tongariro National Park New Zealand, a dual world heritage site. 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). Bad weather advisory. Transportation and parking at Tongariro Alpine Crossing Car park. WHAT TO TAKE. The summit of Red Crater (1886 m) is the highest point on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Know the route – deep snow can hide track markers. Suitable for: People with alpine skills, equipment and experience. While the Tongariro Alpine Crossing should always be taken seriously (you are walking 19.4km over an active volcano after all! For more information on what to expect including up to date track conditions please head here. Winter is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Mt Tongariro with a guide. In winter, we offer either 'Fully guided' or 'Track Safety'. It is important to go prepared as the weather is often more extreme than other places in the North Island. Help us improve the DOC website on mobile in less than 5 min. The Emerald Lakes' brilliant colour is caused by minerals leaching from the adjoining thermal area. There are between 9 and 11 hours of daylight in winter, so leave early enough to complete the trip before it gets dark. It was then that he named Tongariro and the many features of the surrounding landscape, declaring this area as home for his descendants. Tongariro Crossing Breakfast Lunch Dinner A coach transfer to the starting point then a day of walking in what is often described as New Zealand’s greatest day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape. Stay on the marked track at all times to avoid injury. This means at times based on our over 20 years experience of working in this environment and reading the weather, we sometimes have to cancel. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation. That said, the weather can change and it can still turn on you while you are up there and you need to be prepared and know what to do. At times surface conditions can be hard ice. The track was originally designed for about 1000 people per day, but during the high season up to 3000 people hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing per day. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – this is the biggie, this is what they talk about as one of the best one day walks in the world. In 1993, Tongariro became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised criteria describing cultural landscapes. From November to May, trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts. Tongariro, before descending past Red Crater, the Emerald Lakes, the new Te Maari crater and down to Ketetahi. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in winter snow conditions, which should last until mid October. ), it can be tackled without a guide for most of the year. Over winter, additional hazards are present including snow and ice, avalanche risk, and sub-zero temperatures. The mountains at the heart of the park have cultural and spiritual significance to Ngāti Tuwharetoa and symbolise the spiritual links between this community and its environment. Full refund available up to the day before. 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