Spring and Autumn are arguably the best times to tackle the crossing. © 2020 NZ Pocket Guide. From the Mangatepopo car park follow the well-marked track of gravel and boardwalks up a steady gradient to the Soda Springs turn off and some toilet facilities. For that reason, it’s best to do the Tongariro Crossing in winter with a guide. During the Summer, most people are able to do it in around 6 hours but the addition of wintry conditions such as snow means extra caution is required which means extra time. In this new world with Covid 19 considerations, Ketetahi Park N Ride is the preferred service. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is situated in a National Park and the mountains are considered sacred.So, no excuses: leave no trace. (Note: you cannot climb Mt Ngauruhoe in winter). Booking online means we have contact tracing, contactless operations in the morning and it … The 19.4km hike high into a volcanic alpine environment is a must-do in New Zealand but does require a bit of preparation, from packing the right equipment to booking your transport. An ice axe and … Plenty of water: 1.5-3 litres should be enough. The area is also famous for its run-in with Mt Ngauruhoe, or to the Lord of the Rings fans, Mt Doom of Mordor. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way 19.4km track. Shuttle buses generally don't operate during winter, but guided trips include transport. Welcome/Kia Ora! Ngauruhoe is the volcano that Mt. Best price and money back guarantee! Tongariro Crossing Guide: Directions The Tongariro Alpine crossing is located in the Tongariro National Park, which is in the central North Island a few kilometres west south-west of Lake Taupo, 330 km south of Auckland and 320 km north of Wellington. In late Autumn (May/June) and early Spring (Late September/October) there can be snow on the track requiring special gear. Because of the change to the carpark regulations, the shuttle companies now have a lot more control and can virtually refuse to take you up if they think you need a guide. Snow can arrive any time between May to August. It is essential that you are prepared for all conditions, no matter what time of year you go. Contact Information. We however, have had snow this year on the track a few times. You will then not cross another bathroom until 4 hours later on the descent to the finish line. I should mention, we didn’t actually hike Mt. If the trail is not safe for hikers to continue unguided, we recommend seeking the services of a professional guide and are happy to recommend the services of several local operators. If you are staying somewhere in between, the shuttle services can usually pick you up on the way too. You should start walking the crossing between 8-9am. I am looking for reviews/preferences of the following guides, has anyone had experiences with them? Join us on The Tongariro Alpine Crossing this winter. During the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn we sometimes are able to offer a winter safety package. Ngauruhoe. Know your limits. The rest is downhill from here to the Ketetahi Shelter a good place to stop for lunch then the final descent is about 2 hours of walking through native forest to the Ketetahi car park. You are best to email us before booking during this time to check the track conditions. If the weather’s good, you’re very unlikely to have it all to yourself. More more advice on being prepared for any hike in New Zealand, take a look at Outdoor Safety When Hiking in New Zealand. Do not drink water from the streams due to high mineral content. If you are not experienced at hiking in winter alpine conditions, hire a guide with Adrift Outdoors, for your own safety. Weather forecasts are used as an initial guide. Your guide to Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 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 2 Shuttle only option (summer conditions) applies when the track is … anything you take with you must return with you: rubbish, bottles, and yourself, obviously. The easiest way up is by the rocky ridge to the left of the scree slopes. And as such, especially in winter, clients need to either have a proven ability and experience or book onto one of our other tours where they can gain experience (especially with the use of crampons in winter) and can be assessed by one of the Adrift Tongariro guides. In the winter months - May through to October it is absolutely essential that you book a Tongariro Alpine Crossing guided walk unless you are an experienced hiker and have walking poles, crampons, iceaxe and full weather gear. Winter is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Mt Tongariro with a guide. If we cancel you can either get a full refund or transfer to another day. Plenty of water: 1.5-3 litres should be enough. Book your Tongariro Alpine Crossing guide or transport here and travel with the experts. The hike itself felt as if we were walking through the land of Mordor – just in the middle of winter. Adrift have available for hire personal equipment, footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need. Make sure you take enough drinking water with you for the whole trip. The Tongariro Alpine crossing can be completed year-round. Doom was based after in the films. The Tongariro Crossing takes hikers into an alpine environment. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hiking Guide - Shuttle, What to Expect, What to Pack A thorough backpacker guide to the Tongariro Alpine ... That is why using a guide in the deep of winter makes sense. Saying that, winter is when the Crossing experiences its most extreme weather with snow and blistering winds. There are toilets at the start: 20 minutes in and 1 hour in. Join us on The Tongariro Alpine Crossing this winter. Then you have a contrast of colours with the perfect blue and emerald lakes to the fiery red crater. Our winter trips run from 1 May to 31 October. Many who complete the 19.4-kilometer journey will tell you the climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable, though worth it in every aspect. Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Even if you’re not that into hiking you’ll probably love the Tongariro Crossing … We were set for a beautiful sunny day after a big snowfall, my husband agreed to look after the lodge for the day and local guide operator, Adventure Outdoors , had a … 2 Shuttle only option (summer conditions) applies when the track is clear from snow and ice. A guide to tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Winter. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is heralded as the best one-day trek in New Zealand and is regarded as among the top ten single-day treks in the world. Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Winter. Guide/s, transport between the Adrift Tongariro base and the activity, all mountain equipment including helmet, crampons and ice axes if required for winter conditions. Weather is the usual killer on the crossing and I was happy to be with a guide. Tongariro Expeditions offer hikers the opportunity to safely freedom hike to the most scenic parts of the crossing without entering dangerous zones susceptible to snow, ice, avalanche and poor weather risks. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. We will guide you along the 19km of alpine terrain, teaching you basic mountaineering and telling you the rich stories of our areas rumbling past. There are no bins on the hike, so take the rubbish out of the park with you including cigarette butts. Going guided: Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter. I went with Adventure Outdoors , a TripAdvisor approved local tour guide. Parking, best shuttle bus, the best time of year to hike, trek description, distance. One end of the Tongariro Crossing is at the Mangatepopo car park on the west side of the mountains and the other end is at Ketetahi car park, north of the mountains. Home / Articles / Going guided. It requires alpine skills and experience. The Tongariro Crossing transport services aim to get you to the track for this time. During the Tongariro Crossing winter (between the 1st of May and 18th of October), you are now strongly advised to have a paid guide. It is safer to go with a guide in these conditions. A dainty waterfall that emerges in a boggy area perfect for moisture-loving vegetation. Get to Mangatepopo car park take Mangatepopo Road off State Highway 47 for 7km to the car park. Now, begin the Tongariro Crossing! 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. ), it can be tackled without a guide for most of the year. Minimum age 12 years. The temperatures are warmer and it’s a completely different experience to crossing in winter. During this part of the year we are extremely careful about track conditions and weather. Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Guided Tours Winter. Go with a guide. Winter and early spring conditions make the Tongariro Alpine Crossing a very challenging trip. You need special skills and preparation to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter. In winter, when it is covered in a blanket of snow, you’ll need to be proficient with ice-axe and crampons and go with an experienced guide. In winter, you may need crampons and an ice axe (and know how to use them). Three approved Tongariro Alpine Crossing guiding companies can help you have a memorable and safe winter-crossing experience: - Tongariro Guided Walks, phone 027 308 9689 - Adventure Outdoors Tongariro, phone 0800 386 925 - Adrift Tongariro Guiding, phone 0800 462 374 Talk with someone at the Tongariro National Park Conditions to be mindful of at the moment is freezing rain (freezing the ground, rocks … Your accommodation can usually give you weather updates too to see if it is safe to do the Crossing. Nourish, challenge and rejuvenate your body with our luxury winter guided Tongariro crossing getaway. A guided winter Tongariro Alpine Crossing is truly unique. It is a 19.4 km point to point hike through an amazing volcanic landscape. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often ranked among the TOP 10 most beautiful one day hikes of the world and 16 amazing hikes in New Zealand. For less time climbing, start from the Mangatepopo car park and end at Ketetahi. I’ve always wanted to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter and when the stars aligned for me recently, I jumped at the opportunity. Transport bookings can be done yourself or through your accommodation. Included. Be careful of loose rocks and do not attempt in winter without the appropriate equipment. The forces of the earth can be seen at work at the surface: this is what the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is all about, as well as one hell of a workout. Here’s what I wore for the Tongariro Crossing in winter: Thick leggings Thick fleece trousers* Thick socks Non-PFC walking boots T-shirt Lightweight fleece Non-PFC Waterproof jacket Gloves Hat Crampons* Ice axe* Helmet* Sunscreen Sunglasses Backpack* Once New Zealand moves into Covid19 Alert Level 2, we will be providing small, safe and bubble-friendly guided hikes with a pricing special for winter 2020! However, it is usually still not safe to climb Mt Ngauruhoe when it still has snow on it. Talk to us! Because of the change to the carpark regulations, the shuttle companies now have a lot more control and can virtually refuse to take you up if they think you need a guide. You see, Mt. No wonder the Tongariro Crossing is often described as one of New Zealand’s best one-day hikes. If the snow has not arrived yet we are still in full summer transport options. Many thanks. Never has a place looked so contrasting between seasons. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Tours are strongly recommended during the winter months as much of the track becomes covered in snow and ice! The huts are for overnight users (for those doing the Tongariro Circuit Great Walk). The Tongariro Crossing is 19.4km and takes about 8 hours to complete during the winter months. Tongariro Crossing is worth it. All seasons can be extremely rewarding as long as you keep safe. Tongariro Fishing Guide Winter Rainbows, Tongariro ‘Trophy’ Browns & Wilderness Backcountry. We only use highly experienced & qualified alpine guides. [Major update: In summer, between Labour Weekend in October and April 30, a four-hour time restriction is in place at the Mangatepopo Road end, meaning you will need to use one of the shuttle services if you are doing the full hike]. Adventure Outdoors specializes in winter guiding on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. A Guide: Hiking Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Winter) Undertaking the Tongariro Alpine crossing during in the warmer months is a challenge to most but during winter is really something else. Descend past the Emerald Lakes and take another quick climb skirting Te Wai-Whakaata-o-te Rangihiroa (Blue Lake). The landscape is completely covered in snow, which particularly makes Mt Ngauruhoe look unreal. Minimum age 12 years. This is it, Lord of the Rings fans, time to climb Mt Doom! Price per person: $175. There is water supply at the huts from rainwater. Three approved Tongariro Alpine Crossing guiding companies can help you have a memorable and safe winter-crossing experience: - Tongariro Guided Walks, phone 027 308 9689 - Adventure Outdoors Tongariro, phone 0800 386 925 - Adrift Tongariro Guiding, phone 0800 462 374 Talk with someone at the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre who knows the current Tongariro Alpine Crossing conditions; … Start from the signed crossing at the Red Crater and follow the poled route to the summit where you can get awesome views over the Crossing track and see Mt Ruapehu in the distance. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a day hike with this much variety and unique landscapes anywhere else in the world. Full refunds provided if the weather is not suitable, flexible date bookings available. Please note: Track conditions and required minimum numbers can cause cancellation of our services. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Winter Guided Walks, Raft Kayaking / Caving EOTC Schools & Groups / Team Building / Corporate Activities Tongariro National Park Follow us on facebook 0800 386 925 info@adventureoutdoors.co.nz Extend your trip in the volcanic plateau! Photo: Tongariro Guided Walks. Check out Active Outdoor Adventures for an affordable shuttle service. You can either take the side trip up to Mt Ngauruhoe and back then continue on the Manatepopo Saddle between Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. Conditions to be mindful of at the moment is freezing rain (freezing the ground, rocks … We guide all year round on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and indeed there isn't much snow on the Crossing. Contact us for more details and we can create a unique experience just for you! For those who would prefer to be picked up and dropped off at their accommodation, there are a number of Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle services operating from Taupo, Turangi, National Park Village, Whakapapa Village and Ohakune. The Tongariro Crossing in winter is one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done but I strongly recommend joining a guided tour because it can lead inexperienced hikers into an unforgiving world. During the Summer, most people are able to do it in around 6 hours but the addition of wintry conditions such as snow means extra caution is required which means extra time. Every year this is different. You can expect snow, ice and strong winds. [Update: In summer, between Labour Weekend in October and April 30, a four-hour time restriction is in place at the Mangatepopo Road end, meaning you will need to use one of the shuttle services if you are doing the full hike]. We recommend you go with a guide or choose another track. Book the most popular Winter in Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We however, have had snow this year on the track a few times. Nevertheless, the sight is one to remember! Best times for the Tongariro Crossing Hike. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Winter Safety Package. Price per person: $285. Take about 3 litres if you are going to do side tracks and summits. (Note: you cannot climb Mt Ngauruhoe in winter). Adrift Tongariro: Winter crossing Tongariro Crossing - See 558 traveler reviews, 241 candid photos, and great deals for National Park Village, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. We offer shuttle services from Taupo, Turangi, ... We give you a map and information sheet. All you need to know! Full refund available up to the day before. While the Tongariro Alpine Crossing should always be taken seriously (you are walking 19.4km over an active volcano after all! Winter on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing In late Autumn (May/June) and early Spring (Late September/October) there can be snow on the track requiring special gear. The track is well marked with poles and signs to follow, as well as formed tracks. This includes transport, map, hiking poles and crampons. Prepare carefully due to higher risk alpine conditions. Tongariro Guided Walks (formerly known as Walking Places) has operated as a premium guided walking provider since 2004. Weather on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is subject to severe alpine condition and can be extreme, particularly on the Red Crater ridge. While the Tongariro Alpine Crossing should always be taken seriously (you are walking 19.4km over an active volcano after all! While the Tama Lakes track is the perfect Tongariro Alpine Crossing winter alternative, there are still a few things you need to know before you head off on your National Park day walk and just like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this winter walk requires a few things to ensure you’re safe. Waterproof coat: not only to protect you … Tongariro Crossing in winter is a trek you won’t forget. ), it can be tackled without a guide for most of the year. Terry Blumhardt, is the Owner and Head Guide. 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. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Winter Alternative – Be prepared before you go. Start the 15-minute track near the head of theMangatepopo Valley before ascending up the Devil’s Staircase. Enjoy the views without the queues on a winter crossing. You can join experienced guides and enjoy the stunning scenery of Mordor in winter. We will guide you along the 19km of alpine terrain, teaching you basic mountaineering and telling you the rich stories of our areas rumbling past. We wait for a clear forecast, no rain, strong winds or even heavy cloud cover as this can result in white out. Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Guided Tours Winter. What clothing and equipment do you need? The track is well mark and you do not require a guide. Tongariro Crossing Checklist: What to Take Food: pack some lunch and snacks to keep you going. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – this is the biggie, this is what they talk about as one of the best one day walks in the world. Address: Tongariro Track Transport21 Carroll StreetNational ParkNorth IslandNew Zealand Free Phones: (0800) 872 258 … It’s less busy in winter, but conditions can be hostile, especially when there’s snow. With snow and ice covering the track, walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter requires special skills and preparation. You could almost be mistaken for walking on another planet go across a landscape of craters, active volcanoes, scattered pumice, mountain springs, lava flows, scoria and mounds of volcanic rock looking like they have been carved into statues. You don’t have to be incredibly fit for this walk, just prepared and determined! The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located in the Tongariro National Park - New Zealand's oldest … You are more easily able to do side trips to places that would otherwise be too covered in snow and ice during winter. If the visibility gets too poor to see the next marker, stay where you are until you can see the next marker again. The world famous walk, wearing it's winter coat. 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. Tongariro Alpine Crossing-Winter/Spring. Adventure Outdoors Guides are local, highly trained, qualified & experienced & have been guiding winter Tongariro trips for many years! The Gear we provide is – (Inclusive in the price) Hiking Boots / Winter warm Jackets / Fleece Pants & Tops / Backpacks / Ice Axe / Crampons / Helmet By using this website you agree to our, Advertise your business on New Zealand's most popular travel guide, Outdoor Safety When Hiking in New Zealand, Tongariro Crossing Accommodation and Transport: A Practical Guide, Tongariro National Park – Guide For Backpackers, 13 Walks Around National Park Village and Whakapapa Village, The Famous Lord of the Rings Filming Locations in Ruapehu, 10 Things to Do in Hanmer Springs on a Rainy Day. 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. There are toilets at the start: 20 minutes in and 1 hour in. With these weather conditions the Tongariro crossing difficulty does increase, you are only able to hike the alpine crossing in winter if you have a good level of fitness and a guide or if you are properly prepared with alpine hiking experience, crampons and an ice axe. Included. By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. Take about 3 litres if you are going to do side tracks and summits. Guide/s, transport between the Adrift Tongariro base and the activity, lunch (vegetarian available on request at time of booking), crampons and ice axes if required for winter conditions, $40 of clothing and footwear hire (boots $20, clothing $10 per item). Consider nearby alternatives if you aren’t experienced or equipped for alpine travel. If you need to use them for shelter, leave wet boots and jackets outside. You will then not cross another bathroom until 4 hours later on the descent to the finish line. I’ve always wanted to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter and when the stars aligned for me recently, I jumped at the opportunity. Answer 1 of 2: We are going to be doing the Tongariro Crossing on August 1st. Snow & ice cover the track during the winter season (May – October) Guided tours are essential for your enjoyment & safety. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hiking Guide - Shuttle, What to Expect, What to Pack ... That is why using a guide in the deep of winter makes sense. Prepare carefully due to higher risk alpine conditions. If there has been new snow we wait to have it confirmed that we are still all good to go. Our fishing guides know the area well and take your safety and need for a great day out seriously. Approx 8hrs hike. With the summer crowds long gone, this is your chance to see the Tongariro Alpine Crossing as tranquil and unhurried as it used to be. In the mid of summer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can also reach some high temperatures as you hike at a higher altitude than normal. If you want to get a taste of that winter experience, we recommend taking on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during the first half of spring (September-October), as some of the snow may still be lingering on the highest points like Mt Ngauruhoe, Mangatepopo Saddle and the outskirts of the Blue Lake, while the lakes may only just be visible from under the ice. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Winter Safety . Start from the signed crossing at the South Crater. For more information about transport, see our Tongariro Crossing Accommodation and Transport: A Practical Guide. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in the 80,000ha of Tongariro National Park New Zealand, a dual world heritage site. Food: pack some lunch and snacks to keep you going. Nourish, challenge and rejuvenate your body with our luxury winter guided Tongariro crossing getaway. Because the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way track, you will need some sort of transport to either pick you up at the end of track and take you back to your car at the starting point, or transport you from your accommodation to the start then pick you up at the end and drop you back at your accommodation. Make sure you are well prepared to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Winter in New Zealand runs from June to August, which is a great time to see the Tongariro Crossing in a completely different way. In winter, when it is covered in a blanket of snow, you’ll need to be proficient with ice-axe and crampons and go with an experienced guide. anything you take with you must return with you: rubbish, bottles, and yourself, obviously. We close at this time and wait for the snow to melt enough to freedom hike with crampons. Contact – Disclaimer, Welcome/Kia Ora! We were set for a beautiful sunny day after a big snowfall, my husband agreed to look after the lodge for the day and local guide operator, Adventure Outdoors , had a … Between June and September, snow and ice can cover sections of the track, making portions dangerous to cross without the proper gear and guide. The first time I heard about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, it was in relation to The Lord of the Rings. Then prepare for the steepest climb of the hike, known as the Devils Staircase, up to the Mangatepopo Saddle. The Tongariro Crossing seasons can change on a daily basis. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging hike, but absolutely worth it! The Tongariro Alpine crossing can be completed year-round. Sunrise Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Walk. Tongariro Expeditions offer hikers the opportunity to safely freedom hike to the most scenic parts of the crossing without entering dangerous zones susceptible to snow, ice, avalanche and poor weather risks. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an amazing adventure and one you’ll never forget. Want to enquire about Tongariro Expeditions before booking? Winter is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Mt Tongariro with a guide. For that reason, most transport operators will only be open during the “summer” hiking season (i.e. The weather can be brutal and what is going on in the car park at the start of the Crossing can be completely different from what is going on 1000 metres higher. Best times for the Tongariro Crossing Hike. Checking in one day before departure is essential. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is situated in a National Park and the mountains are considered sacred.So, no excuses: leave no trace. All the fiery red and orange of a volcanic plateau teamed with the Emerald and Blue Lakes are best seen in summer going into the first half of autumn (November-April). Let our expert guides take you there on sensational day out in Tongariro National Park. Tongariro Crossing in winter is a trek you won’t forget. During the Tongariro Crossing winter (between the 1st of May and 18th of October), you are now strongly advised to have a paid guide. If you are parking at one car park and need picking up from the other end, you can book a shuttle service to take you back to your starting point. Be prepared by following the “What to Take” section above. Thanks to the Mountain Safety Council for their input and advice. Nevertheless, a winter experience can be extremely rewarding but should only be attempted with a guide.