If you plan to walk the Tongariro Crossing, the first thing you should do is to learn about the area. Read more about Tongarirocrossing.com guides here. After passing Blue Lake, the track skirts around the northern slope of Tongariro, then ends with a long meandering track down to the Ketetahi road end. The rest of the time you’re going to need a DOC hut ticket or annual hut pass.
If time and the weather allow, ascend the over 1000 steps up the Devil’s Staircase to the saddle between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro for excellent views across the central North Island. Keep an eye out for Mt Taranaki on the western horizon as you travel. If you choose to carry on to the Red Crater, allow another hour to cross the flat, moon landscape of the South Crater and to climb the very steep ascend to the ridge. Turn around if the weather is bad, or there is snow or ice on your track. You can do it in one day or you can take your time and hike the entire mountain for several days. Whether you’re trekking the famous 19-kilometer walk or hiking in the Kaimanawa Forest Park, we want you to be prepared as you explore this incredible region.
The walk offers stunning views of Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu on clear days. The track starts 250m above Whakapapa Village Visitors Centre. It then returns along Bruce Road for 2.5km. Or, it can be retraced along the same track. It is therefore even more important to secure your Ketetahi car park which includes the shuttle service to take you to the beginning of the crossing, which takes about 30 minutes from the carpark to Mangatepopo.
How much water do you need for Tongariro Crossing?
2. Re: How much water for Tongariro Crossing? I recommend a minimum of either 3L water per person or 2L water & 1L electrolyte solution (or whatever combination you can carry most easily).
Your guide can discuss options with you if you are worried about your fitness before you start the walk. A guide is required for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during winter months (June to October). We recommend that you check in with us to verify weather conditions regardless of the season. The weather can change rapidly and dramatically. This highly varied walk travels through mountain beech forest and alongside a cascading stream to arrive at the creamy-white terraces of the Silica Rapids. There are many types of vegetation, including subalpine, in the area. The track features a mix of swamp and tussock country.
This way you don’t have to waste your holiday time driving to and from the hike. Even in the summer season, it’s important to prepare for four seasons in one day if you’re going to hike the Tongariro Crossing. The track crosses the stream that runs down from the Ketetahi Springs. Please note that the springs are private property and you must follow the track.
Local businesses concerned by proposed tourist limit on Tongariro Crossing – Stuff
Local businesses concerned by proposed tourist limit on Tongariro Crossing.
Posted: Thu, 12 May 2022 00:39:00 GMT [source]