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). Weather conditions in all New Zealand mountains are very changeable. Turn back if weather conditions are poor in the valley – conditions will get worse as you go higher up the mountain. It is a demanding one day hike and you need reasonable fitness. Sometimes we go on hold till another forecast comes out to ensure we get it right. In the winter months, from May to October, snow and ice covers much of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. Biodiversity inventory and monitoring toolbox, Intermediate: Great Walk/Easier tramping track. Map of avalanche terrain on Tongariro Alpine Crossing (PDF, 1721K). Be prepared to experience low visibility, high winds and rain. Snow and ice, avalanche risk and subzero temperatures exist on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This can happen the day before or it can even happen in the morning of the trip. 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. In 1993, Tongariro became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised criteria describing cultural landscapes. They’ll be able to help you make a … However, in good weather if you have spare time, it can be an enjoyable diversion. Track guide Tongariro Northern Circuit can be walked in either direction. Keep safe. Te Maari, Red Crater and Ngāuruhoe vents have all been active within the last 100 years – the most recent eruption occurred from Te Maari in 2012. 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. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Moderate: 2.1 - 6.0. Transportation and parking at Tongariro Alpine Crossing Car park. Part of the shuttle fee of about $40 helps DOC with conservation projects. It is important to go prepared as the weather is often more extreme than other places in the North Island. Winter is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Mt Tongariro … Want to enquire about Tongariro Expeditions before booking? Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro places extreme importance on their guardian role in protecting Tongariro and his peaks. You know most people find that they don't enjoy the track at all if they choose to go over in bad weather. A helmet, crampons and ice axe are essential, as is competency using them. Transportation and parking at Tongariro Alpine Crossing Car park. The Emerald Lakes' brilliant colour is caused by minerals leaching from the adjoining thermal area. To book a guided hike of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing ring Whakapapa iSite on +64 7 892 3075. This feels more like -2°C (28°F) with moderate winds of 20 km/h (11 knots). DOC will apply a 'Not Recommended Today' advisory on bad weather days. Know the route – deep snow can hide track markers. Geothermal hazards. Walking the track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people. If we cancel there is a very good reason. This can happen the day before or it can even happen in the morning of the trip. We take our role of keeping you safe very seriously. The lowest point is 760 meters above sea level at the Ketetahi car park. In winter, we offer either 'Fully guided' or 'Track Safety'. Side trips. Help us improve the DOC website on mobile in less than 5 min. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in the 80,000ha of Tongariro National Park New Zealand, a dual world heritage site. Grade: Moderate - allow 30 minutes. The Tongariro Crossing transport services aim to get you to the track for this time. At times surface conditions can be hard ice. Weather on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. On the map we give you there is a turn around location. From here the track descends steeply to Emerald Lakes and you can see across to the Blue Lake past the Central Crater. know how to navigate if cloud or snow covers the marker poles and you cannot see them, know where avalanches are a risk and be able to rescue someone if an avalanche occurs, have the equipment and skills to prevent a slide on icy terrain. You should start walking the crossing between 8-9am. The Tongariro Crossing will be in snowy winter conditions and should only be attempted with the appropriate knowledge and gear. plenty of food and water (water along the track isn't suitable for drinking). There is a cost for transport operators due to financial commercial business operations in the Tongariro National Park through the management of the Department of Conservation. have the clothing for sub-zero temperatures and be able to survive if the weather get worse. We will go over everything you need to know to have an awesome and enjoyable trek. Ketetahi to Mangatepopo: Allow an extra hour to walk the track in reverse. If we cancel you can either get a full refund or transfer to another day. Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and snow shovel, and be competent using them. To book a guided hike of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing ring Whakapapa iSite on +64 7 892 3075. Volcanic monitoring systems monitor activity and mitigate volcanic risk, but won't ensure your personal safety. Suitable for: People with alpine skills, equipment and experience. know the volcanic risks and what to do in an eruption, avalanche forecast – New Zealand Avalanche Advisory website. This is rare as we would cancel if we think this is a possibility but you need to know it could happen. You must: Allow 9 hours to complete the walk. Our Lodge is the ideal base to enjoy the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 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. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip. Over the autumn months the Tongariro Alpine crossing can change fast, from sunshine to rain, hail or snow. 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. Over winter, additional hazards are present including snow and ice, avalanche risk, and sub-zero temperatures. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is classed as a tramping track. This is when people get into problems on the mountain. Track surface: Track is covered in snow and very icy in sections. Often described as one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must for avid hikers. Also, we will go over everything you’ll need for your Tongariro Crossing packing list, plus some additional helpful information! a water/windproof jacket and pants, hat and gloves, sunscreen and wear warm, layered clothing, sturdy footwear such as tramping/hiking boots. Wind Chill: The apparent temperature when exposed to the outside conditions. Sign used if a bad weatheradvisory is issued. The poled route to the summit of Tongariro branches off the Crossing just before Red Crater. Ask about the weather forecasts and what the track conditions are like. Conditions and risks outside the Great Walks season. See the forecast as a table or graph. The generosity and foresight of Ngāti Tuwharetoa saw the heart of the mountainous area made sacrosanct in 1887, with the intent that the Crown would stand alongside Ngāti Tuwharetoa to ensure the continued protection of Tongariro. Always check Track and weather conditions. transport and guiding operators, i-SITES and visitor centres will be advised automatically via email. It's not necessarily for everyone. There are increased risks from snow, ice, avalanche terrain and sub-zero temperatures. Todays weather forecast, by the hour and long term. Sign used if a bad weather advisory is issued Whakapapa i-SITE +64 7 892 3075, State Highway 48, Whakapapa Village, Tūrangi  i-SITE 0800 288 726, Ngawaka Place, Tūrangi, Ohakune i-SITE 0800 647 483, 54 Clyde Street, Ohakune, Taumarunui i-Site 07 895 7494, Railway Station, Taumarunui, Taupō i-SITE 0800 525 382, 30 Tongariro Street, Taupō, check volcanic activity information on the, wind speed of 50 km per hour or greater, and precipitation of 10 mm or more, wind chill of minus 10 degrees Celsius or colder, wind chill of 0 degrees Celsius or colder and precipitation of 2 mm or more, signage is placed at Mangatepōpō and Ketetahi Road ends, an electronic message sign is used at the bottom of Mangatepōpō Road near the highway, an alert is automatically be placed on the. Stay on the marked track at all times to avoid injury. 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. Over the autumn months the Tongariro Alpine crossing can change fast, from sunshine to rain, hail or snow. 'Winter' is when there is snow on the track. We send out a daily update and post it on here for everyone to be able to see and make an informed decision on whether the weather is good enough to set out. For more information on what to expect including up to date track conditions please head here. The track is 19.4km long, which doesn’t seem too difficult at first glance. Shuttle buses generally don't operate during winter, but guided trips include transport. ), it can be tackled without a guide for most of the year. 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. Know your limits. Avalanches are a hazard. It is important to go prepared as the weather is often more extreme than other places in the North Island. This car park for hikers who plan to do only short walks to the surrounding area. For these different seasons, there are different types of tours and transport options we have to help you make your crossing a safe experience. From the beginning of Labour weekend in October to 30 April , parking restrictions will be in place at road-ends. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Practical info The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a difficult 6 to 8 hour, 19.4 km one way hike. Labour weekend in October to 30 April parking restrictions (4 hr maximum) are in place at the road-ends – we suggest you book a shuttle. 03 August 2017: Winter conditions. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Known as one of the best one-day hikes in the world and this is our most popular hike. It is a long, challenging hike through a dramatic volcanic landscape and it takes around 7-8 hours to complete. The Emerald Lakes' brilliant colour is caused by minerals leaching from the … The 21.4 km track leads up to the saddle between Mt. As a result, returning to the western end requires, retracing the 19.4 km crossing, walking 26 km via State Highways 46 and 47 back to the other trailhead, or completing the Tongariro Northern Circuit.. At a comfortable speed with plenty of stops for photos (or resting – we are not judging), it takes between 7-8 hours to complete. Please do not attempt to go anyway. 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. With snow and ice covering the track, walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter requires special skills and preparation. 'Winter' is usually August and September. Excellent shuttle services run from all local towns - arrange through the following i-SITEs: Alpine environment with changeable weather conditions at all times of year. Talk to us. 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. This car park for hikers who plan to do only short walks to the surrounding area. Plenty of drinking water (water along the track is not suitable for drinking), food and toilet paper, Waterproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves, sunscreen, and warm, layered clothing, Avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and snow shovel, Mobile phone, personal locator beacon (PLB), head torch and spare batteries. For more information on what to expect including up to date track conditions please head here. WHAT TO TAKE. SAFETY The Tongariro Alpine Crossing passes through volcanic hazard zones – even when the track is open, volcanic risk is present. This led to the establishment of the Tongariro National Park in 1894, a first for New Zealand, and fourth in the world. Daylight hours are short and temperatures are often below freezing. SAFETY "The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not a memorable experience for the right reasons on a bad day. It was then that he named Tongariro and the many features of the surrounding landscape, declaring this area as home for his descendants. It is from these beginnings that Ngāti Tuwharetoa maintains its intrinsic responsibility to protect the mountainous area to which they belong. Torrential: > 25. The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. 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. Stay on the marked track at all times to avoid injury. Conditions can change quickly. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an incredible 19km journey through the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage Park recognised for its spiritual and cultural significance as well as its outstanding volcanic features.The trail takes in some of the most dramatic landscapes you will ever see — cold mountain springs, ancient lava flows, steam vents and the spectacular Emerald Lakes. Always take a head torch. Getting there WHAT TO TAKE. Deep snow can hide track markers. 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). Be prepared for a long and Tongariro Alpine Crossing – this is the biggie, this is what they talk about as one of the best one day walks in the world. While the Tongariro Alpine Crossing should always be taken seriously (you are walking 19.4km over an active volcano after all! "So our message is it's a very challenging hike. Winter is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Mt Tongariro with a guide. https://www.doc.govt.nz/.../things-to-do/tracks/tongariro-northern-circuit Know the avalanche forecast. Take five minutes and learn how to prepare for a day walk and #MakeItHomeNZ. All guides have First Aid and safety qualifications. "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. Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. Check the Tongariro National Park weather forecast before you go. At this point if the weather is no good you would need to call us and let us know that you have turned around. We take our role of keeping you safe very seriously. 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! Snow and ice is common in higher areas and sometimes on lower areas. It's not necessarily for everyone. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. Grade: Moderate - allow 30 minutes The descent from Red Crater demands extra care as loose scoria underfoot can move quickly and easily. There is very limited parking near the access points to the track. Hiking time depends on your pace, the weather conditions, and how often you stop to rest and take in the view. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing continues from Emerald Lakes to Ketetahi. Steep descent from Red Crater to Emerald Lakes on loose rock, Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/central-north-island/places/tongariro-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/tongariro-alpine-crossing/. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4 kilometers / 12.1 miles long. Located in Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island region, Tongariro Alpine Crossing: summer brochure (PDF, 1,913K), Tongariro Alpine Crossing: winter brochure (PDF, 1,969K). The highest point of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 1886 meters above sea level at the Red Crater. If applied: If conditions are poor, try alternatives such as Taranaki Falls Walking Track or Tama Lakes Track. 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