), it can be tackled without a guide for most of the year. You should start walking the crossing between 8-9am. The track is well mark and you do not require a guide. However, every season brings dramatically different Tongariro Crossing weather. My wife and I did the Tongariro Crossing on February 8, 2019. If you are trying the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for the first time, it’s best to go in the summer. The Tongariro Crossing transport services aim to get you to the track for this time. 'Winter' is usually August and September. If you are experienced in hiking with crampons and ice axe and in alpine terrain, you can trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during these months. With snow and ice covering the track, walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter requires special skills and preparation. July – Track safety The Tongariro crossing has been described as the best one-day hike in New Zealand for ages, but has gained a whole new pilgrimage since Lord of the Rings came out. I hope this helps you to book confidently for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for any season. Sun, warmish down the bottom and no snow on Tongariro. DISTANCE AND ELEVATION GAIN AT TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING. quickly, conveniently and comfortably In winter, we offer either 'Fully guided' or 'Track Safety'. If you book transport only and we end up guiding, your booking is seen as holding a guided spot until you choose to either upgrade or cancel. The temperatures are warmer and it’s a completely different experience to crossing in winter. The Tongariro Crossing or also commonly called the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, is one of the most popular of the 9 ‘Great Walks’ designated by the Department of Conservation. What’s Up With The Tongariro Crossing Seasons. ‘Summer’ is usually November to May. They at times have to cut steps or take a detour if needed. The busiest, but also the best time to hike is over the summer season from December to February as it offers the most-stable weather conditions. Although beautiful, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, can be dangerous if you are not fully prepared to enter an alpine environment. At a comfortable speed with plenty of stops for photos (or resting – we are not judging), it takes between 7-8 hours to complete. Overview: The Great Walk hiking season runs from late October through till the end of April, depending on snow cover. We try our best to accommodate all our guests and make adjustments as we go along, in case you need a different option. 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. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is growing in popularity every year. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4km of pure rugged New Zealand beauty. November – Freedom hiking. Wind. You will also be … The reason? We give you a map and information sheet. Tongariro Crossing need to know: – The Tongariro Crossing is a one way hike. 'Winter' is when there is snow on the track. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is iconic, walked by as many as 100,000 people each year. This option includes gear and transport. What to expect from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The Tongariro Crossing can be divided up into several distinct sections, each being completely unique and breathtaking. 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. View our map of the track. It will take between 6-9 hours to complete the hike, which doesn’t include the time spent getting to and from the carparks. Track safety is when there is not too much snow and it is safe to hike with cramp-ons without support. At this time of year, you’ll get a feel for the trek without having to deal with ice and snow. and al… 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. 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. Website by Tomahawk, How the Tongariro National Park earned its UNESCO Dual World Heritage status, Hiking checklist: What to take on the Tongariro Crossing. Poor visibility on the Tongariro Crossing. The trek can be done in spring, summer, fall, and winter. The spectacular vistas and unique geological features of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing create a perfect setting for some amazing photographs. Mangatepopo Car Park to Soda Springs(4.3km) This is the easiest part of the hike, and is flat for the most part. If they remain safe they let you pass. Which can cause a few horrible issues such as: bottle necks of people on narrow parts of the track We rode the Northern Express train from Auckland, stopped in Ohakune for two nights to do the Crossing, and continued on to Wellington. Best time of year to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the summer season, which starts from October and lasts until April. Crossing over the foothills of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, the Northern Circuit requires a moderate level of fitness. If they change to unsafe they will turn you around. Guiding can be organised on request. We take you to the start of the track. The track is well marked and easy to follow. During this post, we run through what to expect with the different seasons and when the best times to hike the Crossing are. 'Winter' is usually August and September. In winter, we offer either 'Fully guided' or 'Track Safety'. I would recommend going early or late in the season because the temperatures will not be as high and it trek will be less crowded. If you want to hike the Tongariro Crossing, make sure you: are fit enough to walk 20 km in mountainous/alpine circumstances, partly uphill; start early (6.30h latest) to avoid crowds, you’ll finish between 13:00h and 15:00h (about 7-8 hours later); 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. Ketetahi to Mangatepopo: Allow an extra hour to walk the track in reverse. This is when there is snow on the track requiring cramp-ons. Guided is by choice and is highly recommended in the season … Once you figure out your dates look into what the conditions will be like and dress accordingly. It’s more of a moving target, depending on the weather and we move with it, offering options based on the actual conditions of the track. Check here to see the latest updates on volcanic activity in the area. "So our message is it's a very challenging hike. The first time we hiked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we woke up to a dark and foggy landscape. This number has more than doubled in just the last five years to over 130,000 walkers last season. Best time of year to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We offer shuttle services from Taupo, Turangi, Base Camp and Ketetahi. This option includes gear, transport and guide. We also specialise in Private Transfers making it easy for you to get around. So, what do the seasonal terms mean to us? Conditions in Tongariro National Park change dramatically with the seasons, resulting in a wide variety of habitats. For this coming Summer Season of 2020/2021 . That way you are hiking your way back to your car. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4km of pure rugged New Zealand beauty. For these different seasons, there are different types of tours and transport options we have to help you make your crossing a safe experience. Ketetahi car park is a one-way shuttle where you park your car at the end of the track in the morning. You are equipped with cramp-ons and an ice axe that you are trained in using plus a helmet. The crossing is a linear journey, starting on the west side of Mount Tongariro and finishing on the north side. Transport only options are available from most accommodation providers in Taupo and Turangi. 1. The guides show you the way as the marker pole may not be visible or the conditions could be white out. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is amongst the best one day hikes in the world and is rated the #1 one day hike in New Zealand! Fully guided is when you have a trained guide per 8-10 hikers. Take a look at our selection of images of this natural wonderland. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park is described as one of the best one-day hikes in New Zealand. Shuttle transport recommended for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. While the Tongariro Alpine Crossing should always be taken seriously (you are walking 19.4km over an active volcano after all! National Park Shuttles, Active Outdoor Adventures and Backyard Tours have partnered Transfers to the "Tongariro Alpine Crossing" with our team. This video, produced by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, takes you through the entire track and shows you how to prepare for a successful day out so that you make it home safely. This is when there is snow on the track requiring cramp-ons. For these different seasons, there are different types of tours and transport options we have to help you make your crossing a safe experience. It’s a generally safe time to do a freedom hike (without a guide) of the Tongariro Crossing. It's not necessarily for everyone. National Park Village lies in the heart of the dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park and provides easy access to nearby activities. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Route. The track is open for access all year round and can be hiked during both the winter and summer seasons. 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. We have hire gear on the bus if you need it and we give you a map and information sheet. Full refund available up to the day before. At times, there may be a requirement for an upgrade or refund. There are increased risks from snow, ice, avalanche … 2 Shuttle only option (summer conditions) applies when the track is clear from snow and ice. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way 19.4km track. 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.. Side trips. The northern approaches to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with, to the left, Te Maari crater steaming, Mt Tongariro in the centre and Mt Ngauruhoe on the far right Large parts of the track are hardly wide enough to pass other people, so on busy days, you’re often walking in a line, waiting for the track to get wider so you can pass a slower group of people. This hike takes you through the heart of “Mordor”, passing by “Mount Doom” (and climbing up it, if you’re feeling energetic enough to add 2-3 hours to your day for the side track to the summit). Unexpected winds have the ability to create cool, dry conditions, and for unprepared hikers on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this can mean immediate danger. October – Track safety September – Fully guided © 2020 Tongariro Expeditions. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be hiked any time of the year, making it one of the most popular and (at times) crowded trails in New Zealand. The Tongariro National Park has got two seasons: The Great Walk Season, the summer season: start Labour Weekend (end October) – 30 April; Outside the Great Walk Season, the winter season: 1 May – Labour Weekend (end October) Check here the current dates for Labour weekend You will gain 765 meters elevation and lose 1125 meters if you hike from Mangatepopo car park to Ketetahi car park. It can change between ‘Freedom hiking’, ‘Track safety’ and ‘Fully guided’ day by day. 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. Let me explain: 'Summer' is when there is no snow on the track. This is usually June, July and October. Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage area due to its outstanding natural features and cultural significance. We rode the Northern Express train from Auckland, stopped in Ohakune for two nights to do the Crossing, and continued on to Wellington. If you are experienced in hiking with crampons and ice axe and in alpine terrain, you can trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during these months. Transport Only Options for November to June. When booking ahead of time you are pretty safe to book Fully Guided for August and September. On a busy fine day over 2000 hikers can be hiking the Crossing. Quite a few children were walking the trail (overheard toward the end, "Dad, I'm never going for a walk with you again."Ha!) June – Freedom Guiding options have limited spots available. The best season for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. For example, if you book Track Safety for October but the snow has all melted away when you call we would update you with the most up to date track conditions and explain your options. December to February – This is the summer season in New Zealand and a time when you’re almost guaranteed no snow on the Tongariro Crossing. August – Fully guided Hiking the Tongariro Crossing. If we cancel you can either get a full refund or transfer to another day. Visitors are strongly recommended to not park their vehicles at either end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing but park and ride with, n the winter months, from May to October, snow and ice covers much of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is enjoyed by self-hiking and as the trail is well marked and you are not alone, everyone is going the same way. We suggest you book Track Safety for July and October. My wife and I did the Tongariro Crossing on February 8, 2019. So, what does this mean when you are trying to book ahead of time? Read more about the experience of hiking Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter, Please enable JavaScript in your browser for better experience. You know most people find that they don't enjoy the track at all if they choose to go over in bad weather. Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Winter I n the winter months, from May to October, snow and ice covers much of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. The seasons to us on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing are not specific dates on the calendar, oh no. Getting there – You should set aside a whole day to hike the Tongariro crossing. Also, if you book a transport only option but we are only offering fully guided due to snow levels you can either upgrade or cancel for a full refund. Hire gear is available to only those doing return shuttles – not Ketetahi. The route winds along a raised boardwalk until it starts to climb sharply. 'Midseason' is when it changes between the two. We also pick up from Base Camp, and a car park in from of the Tongariro Holiday Park. "The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not a memorable experience for the right reasons on a bad day. The snow comes… the snow melts away…. There is a staff member that goes up ahead of the group to assess the track and weather conditions. You need special skills and preparation to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter (June to October). It’s a tricky season and we must always be at the top of our game when it comes to judging the track and conditions. 140,000 tourists hiked the Crossing last season. Extreme weather, terrain and distance have resulted in this track having the highest number of search and rescues for hikers in New Zealand. Tongariro Crossing Weather Tips. Plan the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike for the right time of year. The Tongariro Alpine crossing traverses areas with active volcanoes. 2 Shuttle only option (summer conditions) applies when the track is clear from snow and ice. This will normally mean hiking with hundreds and hundreds of tourists. Once you decide on your Transport option then we would put through a partial refund. The Tongariro Crossing is a walk way across the edge of Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe including a walk across a lunar like landscape with views of active volcanoes and recent lava flows. will be one of your ultimate experiences! The Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be walked in either direction and there are several side trips. Because of this, it can be easy to forget that it is a serious trek over mountainous terrain, made even harder by ice and snow during the winter months. The weather varies significantly on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, it can change quickly in the space of a few hours but also settles into different patterns depending on the season. These overviews are just a basic statistical possibility, coming from our years of knowledge around the track. My cousin and I drove down from Rotorua at the end of high season in April and managed to catch a perfect day. Before you start your Tongariro Northern Circuit walk: You need to book huts and/or campsites on the track if you’re walking in the peak season between October and April (bookings are not required if you’re walking in the off-peak season). Managing this number of walkers and their impacts is essential. What season is best for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? The length of Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4 km, and it takes anywhere from 5 to 8 hours so be prepared for a full challenging day out. 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. The usual direction starts from Mangatepopo car park and ends at Ketetahi car park. 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