(Note: you cannot climb Mt Ngauruhoe in winter). The weather is usually unpredictable and a thick blanket of snow covers the higher points. Your guide will make a decision on whether to attempt the crossing on the day, using the MetService weather forecast. I was very impressed with Adrift in terms of them supplying people whatever they needed to comfortably and safely complete the trek. Allow 9 hours to complete the walk. Without alpine experience, a guided trip is recommended. 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 [email protected] Winter in New Zealand runs from June to August, which is a great time to see the Tongariro Crossing in a completely different way. From there you head towards the highest point on the crossing, the Red Crater. Know the avalanche forecast. Absolutely stunning in summer, the natural beauty of this area is taken to another level in winter. That’s a full day’s walking with breaks in between. Suitable for: People with alpine skills, equipment and experience. With the change in weather, the experience is very different, requiring more preparation, equipment, and even a guide. Crampons will usually be supplied by your tour guide, along with a cool ice-axe for those tricky parts of the crossing. The extra difficulty in winter is totally worth it to view the the magnificent landscape blanketed in snow, especially the three peaks of Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu. If things take a turn for the worst while you are on the Crossing, your guide may decide to turn back. Talk with someone at the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre who knows the current conditions. The Tongariro Alpine crossing can be completed year-round. The Tongariro Crossing is 19.4km and takes about 8 hours to complete during the winter months. Winter/water resistant jacket; Camera, smartphone and watch; Handkerchiefs; Hiking shoes; Food and plenty of water; In winter you may need crampons and a stick; Turangi – Tongariro Crossing. Saying that, winter is when the Crossing experiences its most extreme weather with snow and blistering winds. I was on my own but part of a group of 15 customers and two guides from Adrift. Even on a nice, sunny day, the weather is notoriously unpredictable and can turn very quickly. Doom was based after in the films. For reasons unknown at this time, they had separated from the other two trampers who had gone to Oturere hut. Tongariro Alpine Crossing weather forecast for the week ahead. 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. The Tongariro Crossing is very weather dependant. The only 3 star hotel in the region with stunning views of the 3 volcanoes — we provide a friendly, relaxed environment for you to stay after your day’s activities. We chose our tour with Adrift primarily because of our lack of knowledge about hiking in the snow. A rescue is underway for four trampers on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing who reported being lost yesterday evening. The landscape is completely covered in snow, which particularly makes Mt Ngauruhoe look unreal. Surrounded by snow, the Emerald Lakes are three craters which have filled with water over the centuries, with their stunning green/blue colour coming from minerals which have leached from the surrounding volcanic rocks. As you descend, the snow makes way to fauna and flora, ending your Alpine Crossing experience with flowers and birdsong! Contact us for more details and we can create a unique experience just for you! A massive, but amazing, trip – if you have the … As we get further into winter be prepared to get told early in the morning that it is too dangerous today. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is in the 80,000ha of Tongariro National Park New Zealand, a dual world heritage site. 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. We offer a special winter package of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which includes a guided tour for two people, two nights’ accommodation, daily continental breakfast, return transport for the crossing and energy packed lunches. The Tongariro Crossing is regarded as the best one day hike in New Zealand, you can freedom walk the crossing or enjoy the company of an experienced guide. Ngauruhoe. It is a 19.4 km point to point hike through an amazing volcanic landscape. There is no clean drinking water available along the route, so bring at least 2 litres of water with you. If it is safe to continue, then it’s all downhill from this point. Whether attempting the crossing in winter or summer, with or without a guide, you’ll need a decent level of fitness and be in good health. Make sure you are well prepared to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. so plan for alternatives and also for the fact that high winds especially may put paid to your trek On a calm day, Red Crater is at least 10°C colder than Taupō and 5°C colder than the start of the track – subtract another 2°C for every 10 km/h of wind: Eg, when it’s 10°C (50°F) in Taupō, a calm day at Red Crater will be about 2°C (35°F). Nevertheless, it’s still possible and every bit as stunning as the summer. Make your Tongariro Alpine Crossing one to remember by experiencing it during the winter months. Winter is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Mt Tongariro with a guide. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Located in Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island region View saved (0) From November to May, trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts. Footwear must come to above the ankle and be made of a non-mesh material, i.e. The Gear we provide is – (Inclusive in the price) Hiking Boots / Winter warm Jackets / Fleece Pants & Tops / Backpacks / Ice Axe / Crampons / Helmet Terry Blumhardt, is the Owner and Head Guide. Instead, an alternative route is taken, cutting out the Blue Lake and rejoining the track at a safer spot. There are between 9 and 11 hours of daylight in winter, so leave early enough to complete the trip before it gets dark. Walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter is a very different experience and requires special skills, equipment and preparation. The crossing is a linear journey, starting on the west side of Mount Tongariro and finishing on the north side. A guided winter Tongariro Alpine Crossing is truly unique. Three active andesitic volcanoes dominate the scenery of the area. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – this is the biggie, this is what they talk about as one of the best one day walks in the world. 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. Attempting the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter brings with it a new set of challenges. Always take a head torch. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is iconic, walked by as many as 100,000 people each year. 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 … and als… We strongly recommend a guide to help you through the unpredictable conditions. The Tongariro Crossing will be in snowy winter conditions and should only be attempted with the appropriate knowledge and gear. Don’t worry, you’re not missing much – the Blue Lake is usually covered in snow, so you can’t see it! You should take your time with this climb, giving yourself up to 60 minutes, and when you get to the top, the panoramic views are worth every step, especially in winter. so plan for alternatives and also for the fact that high winds especially may put paid to your trek In this new world with Covid 19 considerations, Ketetahi Park N Ride is the preferred service. You’ll need at least three layers of clothing, with thermals underneath to keep you warm. Police initially received a call from two of the trampers at 8:40pm last night who were walking in the cold, snowy conditions. 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. Contact Information. The Tongariro National Park has a duel world-heritage status with UNESCO for it’s natural and cultural significance. You need special skills and preparation to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter (June to October). You are doing this crossing, so you need to look after yourself. 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.. You need special skills and preparation to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter (June to October). The walking pace is around 3km/per hour, which is achievable for pretty much everyone, unless exercise is completely alien to you. The first 30 minutes of the track is relatively flat, but will gradually start to rise as you head to the check point, Soda Springs. Your guide will make a decision on whether to attempt the crossing on the day, using the MetService weather forecast. 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