During the summer season there’s around 1000 people hiking the track daily. On fine days it’s busier and on poor weather days it’s quieter. The Mangatepopo Car Park marks the beginning of the hike. Toilet facilities are available at the Mangatepopo Hut at the beginning of the track. Another restroom is located at the Mangatepopo Hut at the Mangatepopo Hut at the end of the track.
Is it safe to walk the Tongariro Crossing at the moment?
While the Tongariro Crossing is generally regarded as a ‘safe’ activity, it’s not 100% risk free, and basic precautions need to be taken. It’s worth remembering that well over 100,000 people walk the crossing every year. Compare this with the Milford Track, which only gets about 15,000 trampers per year.
Some people have had problems paying over the telephone or booking with verification. The banner Viator below is simple to use. Cancellations are fully refunded up to 24 hours before. No such luck because sure enough, that’s where we would be headed next. Every time it looked hugely daunting but by just assuming the position and planting one foot in front of the other we eventually got there. Lift your head and look up at the mountaintops. Then, whoops! You are back, listing towards the side a particularly steep ridge. It’s actually quite hard, or maybe it’s more tiring.
The Old Coach Road is a recently restored route between Horopito & Ohakune. It takes you through farmland & forest on a route once used before the railway was completed. You will pass historic sites where railway workers used to camp, and the remains of the Taonui and Hapuawhenua viaducts. Another popular ride is Fishers Track. It winds through native bush and farmland, with stunning views of the volcanoes. In line with the change to Government guidelines, we wish to advise that we have changed our travel requirements and no longer require a vaccine pass or a COVID-19 test.
How much does it cost to do the Tongariro Crossing?
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is free. The track is point to point so you need to organise a drop off and pick up. There are many shuttle companies offering this service.
Blanketed in snow, the mountains look like perfect white peaks. So, as far as volcanic territory goes, you’re stepping right into the heart of it on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You’ll be prepared for any eruption as long as you are aware of the signs and have checked any potential dangers before you go.
Life under Ruapehu as risk of eruption increases – Stuff
Life under Ruapehu as risk of eruption increases.
Posted: Fri, 13 May 2022 17:00:00 GMT [source]
Last summer, for example, we had wonderful warm weather in November and December. But the summer before it rained most of the time during these months. This is mountain country so weather can be a challenge to predict and plan for. Learn more about planning for the Tongariro Crossing weather. To the right of Blue Lake you will see the Emerald Lake, and will be able to smell the sulphurous odour coming from around the lake. Read more about https://tongarirocrossing.com/ here. The water is acidic and is not suitable for swimming.
- The track starts at the Mangatepopo End at 1120 m above the sea level. Red Crater’s highest point is at 1886m. The final stage finishes at 760m.
- The only way to get to the lakes is to walk.
- Local transport operators offer shuttle services to and from the trail head.
- The banner Viator below is simple to use. Cancellations are fully refunded up to 24 hours before.
- During this time about 130,000 people hike the Crossing.
You can arrange transport through the Taupo i-SITEor Turangi i-SITEor the list below. If you do want a winter adventure on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, go with a guide who knows the trail well and who can help you with specialist equipment like an ice axe and crampons. The one-way Tongariro Alpine Crossing ends at the Ketetahi carpark, so make sure you organise your transport ahead of time.