It can rub in the wrong places, restrict mobility and once wet, you’re stuck like that for a while which isn’t ideal in subzero conditions. The landscape was utterly bewitching so I didn’t have to do much at all haha. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Blizzards cause poor visibility and tracks get icy and buried in fresh snow. The hike itself felt as if we were walking through the land of Mordor – just in the middle of winter. The hostel had a heavy backpacker vibe and everyone was super friendly – including the resident dog. The first time I heard about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, it was in relation to The Lord of the Rings. Located in the Tongariro National Park, the trail intersects a dramatic and rocky landscape of tall mountain peaks and active volcanoes. Address: Tongariro Track Transport21 Carroll StreetNational ParkNorth IslandNew Zealand Free Phones: (0800) 872 258 … If the hostel lifestyle isn’t your thing then it’s possible to book a private room instead of a dorm.Â, I arranged my Tongariro adventure through the Rainbow Lodge reception. Chilling winds can blow you off course and temperatures drop to -9℃ or lower.Â, The Tongariro Crossing in winter is one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done but I strongly recommend joining a guided tour because it can lead inexperienced hikers into an unforgiving world.Â, I went with Adventure Outdoors, a TripAdvisor approved local tour guide. No spam, just awesome travel content. How cool! Once you’ve made it through the trees to the car park you’re greeted with snacks, refreshments and a well-deserved rest. Â, The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is challenging in winter but I can honestly say that it’s one of my favourite walking trails to date. This section of the trail is fairly moderate in the summer. Your email address will not be published. Little Lost Travel is your complete guide to nature-based and sustainable travel. 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. One misstep could see you sliding speedily down them which is why it was important that we knew how to stop ourselves with the ice axe.Â, As if that wasn’t enough, you might experience a strong icy wind blowing over the ridge. I’m from New Zealand and still haven’t done it 😩, Haha don’t worry I’m from the UK and I haven’t seen much of the country at all! Saying that, winter is when the Crossing experiences its most extreme weather with snow and blistering winds. There were a few moments when I seriously thought I was going to get buffeted over the edge.Â, After a tough half an hour, you’ll reach the summit of the Red Crater. However, if you are intending on hiking the entire Tongariro Crossing, please catch a return shuttle from a licensed operator in either National Park Village or Whakapapa Village. We strongly recommend a guide to help you through the unpredictable conditions. I’d love to do something like this one day!! Taupo has plenty of accommodation that you can arrange your guide and transfer to the Tongariro Crossing through. Wonderful read! During the Summer, most people are able to do it in around 6 hours but the addition of wintry conditions such as snow means extra caution is required which means extra time. The landscape looks amazing and the photos are very beautiful. From June to October, snow and ice means alpine skills and experience are essential - it's best to go with guide or choose another track. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Here, you can discover the best ecolodges in the world, sustainable destination guides and so much more! Stay safe, have fun and remember to go with a guide.Â. In the winter however the crowds lessen when the slopes are covered in ice and snow, and crampons + ice axe are needed to make it across. The National Park is a dual World Heritage Site. Even on a nice, sunny day, the weather is notoriously unpredictable and can turn very quickly. The trail is popular with walkers in summer but in winter, the Tongariro Crossing has its own unique set of challenges. Three active andesitic volcanoes dominate the scenery of the area. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Tongariro Expeditions can help you to make your trip safe, reliable and cost effective. Once you’ve climbed over the North Crater you’re treated to spectacular views down the valley towards Lake Rotoira and Lake Taupo in the distance.Â, The narrow trail zigzags around the crest of the mountain and you’ll have a steep slope on your right. So awesome that you got to do the crossing in winter! Be prepared and pack plenty of drinking water, sturdy footwear such as hiking boots, sunscreen and appropriate clothing. NO cotton tops (i.e. PFCS are chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Winter. ... Tongariro Alpine Crossing Winter Safety . While hiking the Tongariro Crossing the wind was brutal, the visibility was low and the cold was penetrating after any amount of time sitting still. Wow. Without alpine experience, a guided trip is recommended. 🙂. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The ridge is also narrow with steep slopes on either side. There had been a blizzard the night before so the snow was crisp and fresh.Â, There were hardly any people except the odd group of hikers that seemed to get swallowed up in the expanse. Booking online means we have contact tracing, contactless operations in the morning and it … It’s not a cliff but a slip could easily send you sliding down the valley. Your guide will make a decision on whether to attempt the crossing on the day, using the MetService weather forecast. It’s easy in theory although your legs will start to feel a bit like jelly by this point. Normally, they’re an eye-catching green but during my trip, the snow and ice had covered them leaving only a faded outline. We found a slightly sheltered dip and sat down to eat our lunch. 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. We stayed in Taupo last year but in summer. 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. In the winter months, from May to October, snow and ice covers much of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. Our guides also taught us how to catch ourselves with our ice axes in case we slipped. The climb up Red Crater Ridge is sharp and the track is small so you have to walk in single file.Â, Cresting the ridge is probably the most difficult bit. It’s astonishing beauty and the sense of achievement at the end is truly unbeatable.Â, You’ll start the trail at Mangatepopo car park and head towards Soda Springs. I feel you. Tongariro Alpine Crossing winter alternative New Zealand has many great full and multi-day walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of them. Doom was based after in the films. As you wind your way downhill, you’ll soon make it to the Ketetahi Shelter, a hiker’s hut with two outside toilets. Here’s what I wore for the Tongariro Crossing in winter:Â, You will also need to take 1.5 litres of water and a packed lunch.Â, All items marked with * were provided by the tour guide at no extra cost.Â. I’m not a huge fan of winter but with the right gear and a guide, I’d consider it! A guided winter Tongariro Alpine Crossing is truly unique. no T-shirts) or jeans. You’ll see why in a moment.Â, This section of the trail is where it starts to get really tricky – more so than the Devil’s Staircase. During the winter months, the crossing can be dangerous, with the weather turning suddenly. It’s breathtakingly beautiful but it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Not only does snow and ice cover much of the track, there is also the risk of avalanches and sub-zero temperatures. Two pairs of long warm trousers. Sun, warmish down the bottom and no snow on Tongariro. - Monthly newsletter featuring all the latest blog posts, No spam, just awesome travel content. There isn’t anything quite like it.Â. Did I mention there are active volcanoes too?Â. It’s also the crater of a dormant supervolcano that erupted about 1,800 years ago.Â, Taupo has plenty of accommodation that you can arrange your guide and transfer to the Tongariro Crossing through.  Become part of the Little Lost Travel community and get: - a FREE quick guide to sustainable travel, - Monthly newsletter featuring the latest blog posts, ©️ 2020 Little Lost Travel. The town is located on the banks of Lake Taupo, the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand. Keen to read about other walking trails in New Zealand? The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is usually walked from Mangatepopo in the Ruapehu region to Ketetahi Hot Springs, due to the Mangatepopo end being higher in altitude (1,120 m or 3,670 ft) than the Ketetahi Hot Springs end (760 m or 2,490 ft), therefore requiring less climbing. Winter in New Zealand runs from June to August, which is a great time to see the Tongariro Crossing in a completely different way. Footwear must come to above the ankle and be made of a non-mesh material, i.e. Once you come down the other side of the Red Crater, it’s a bit more sheltered. It just requires forward planning and extra budgeting. It is a truly stunning part of the world. No spam, just awesome travel content. Not sure I’d be able to do it in winter though. Thanks for sharing. For more information, read our. At 1,886 metres above sea level, it’s the highest point of the Tongariro Crossing. It’s the easiest leg of the route as you can follow the Mangatepopo stream via a wooden track that elevates you slightly over the boggy terrain.Â, You’re still low down here but the landscape is fairly barren and looks almost otherworldly. Temperatures at the top scarcely get above 9℃  but the weather is, for the most part, stable.Â. The Best Eco Glamping Essentials for Luxury Camping. The Tongariro Crossing is very weather dependant. During this part of the year we are extremely careful about track conditions and weather. I am not sure if I could hike in temperatures that cold, but after reading this, I would make exceptions! Read More: What is Ecotourism and Why is it Important?Â, The final section of the walk is a steady descent towards the car park. 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. The price was a hefty 195 NZD but it included the minibus shuttles, all the necessary equipment, a full guided tour and refreshments at the end. The Tongariro Crossing in winter is cold, wet and windy. ... Winter use … 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. The easiest way to walk it is if you put your foot directly into the footprint left by the person in front.Â, Eventually, the snow melts away revealing the copper tufts of grass and a landscape marred by rocks and lava from ancient and modern volcanic eruptions.Â. Police initially received a call from two of the trampers at 8:40pm last night who were walking in the cold, snowy conditions. High up in the Tongariro National Park you can expect temperatures to dip below freezing and it gets pretty windy.Â, Wear comfortable clothing that’s warm and breathable. Tongariro Crossing in Winter? The Tongariro Crossing is 19.4km and takes about 8 hours to complete during the winter months. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Tours are strongly recommended during the winter months as much of the track becomes covered in snow and ice! I do prefer the warmth over the cold but it was so beautiful up there so it was definitely worth it! What the park looks like without the snow, To say that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenge is an understatement. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Two Responsible Travellers Share Their Top Sustainable ... 8 Essentials for Surviving the Hostel Lifestyle, What it’s Really Like to Travel New Zealand with Kiwi Experience, What is Ecotourism and Why is it Important?Â, The Ultimate Guide to Travelling Solo in New Zealand, The Best Travel Blogging Courses to Skyrocket Your Blog in 2021, 14 Best International Cocktail Recipes With Sustainable Spirits, Best Wine Tasting in New Zealand: Waiheke Island vs Central Otago, 15 Best Ethical Animal Experiences Around the World. It’s the most popular time with hikers and you can do it safely without a guide. The highest peaks and plateaus in the park become a snow-dusted wonderland. It was definitely tough but the hike would definitely be worth doing in the summer too. He works with his carefully chosen team, to provide exceptional guided hiking tours, including the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing in both Summer and Winter. Just like the Emerald Lakes, Blue Lake was covered in a thick blanket of snow.Â. Definitely go for it! In this new world with Covid 19 considerations, Ketetahi Park N Ride is the preferred service. My mission is to show you why sustainable travel is empowering, fulfilling and affordable. Instead, we slid down it one at a time using our axes to steer. The best time to do the Tongariro Crossing if you want an easier hike is in the summer from November to the end of April. The reason for the difficulty is the steep climb from 1,400 to 1,600 metres above sea level. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be walked in either direction and there are several side trips. A rescue is underway for four trampers on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing who reported being lost yesterday evening. However in winter thanks to heavy snow and increased danger levels, it’s often closed to the public unless you pay big dollar for a … I have a fairly moderate level of fitness and I made it up and down in one piece so you will too. A writer with a passion for travel and the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. These are Mt Tongariro (1967m), Mt Ngauruhoe (2291m) and Mt Ruapehu (2797m). There are increased risks from snow, ice, avalanche terrain and sub-zero temperatures. The Tongariro Crossing is the most popular tramp in the country. Walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter is a very different experience and requires special skills, equipment and preparation. These cookies do not store any personal information. The only sounds were our hushed breath and the crunch of our footsteps in the powdery snow.Â, This crater is a good spot to put your crampons on and get used to walking with them. What is Ecotourism and Why is it Important? Find out how to be a sustainable traveller in this guide to green travel. NO alcohol or drugs to have been consumed within the previous eight hours before trip departure. It requires a bit of stamina and scrambling on all fours (no judgement!) Your email address will not be published. It also has some seriously good Indian restaurants if you have some leisure time.Â, I stayed at Rainbow Lodge, a budget-friendly hostel with free WiFi and a sauna (yes to the free sauna!). We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It just requires forward planning and extra budgeting. Required fields are marked *. 2 litres of fluid and a packed lunch (chocolate or sugary snacks are good for quick energy hits). The price was a hefty 195 NZD but it included the minibus shuttles, all the necessary equipment, a full guided tour and refreshments at the end. No doubt this was a once in a lifetime, unforgettable experience! Just before the end, you’re treated to one final beauty spot, the unofficially named Ketetahi Falls. After doing the trail in August (winter in the Southern Hemisphere), I found out everything you need to know about walking the Tongariro Crossing in winter:Â, I won’t lie, in winter the trail is a solid difficult if you’re an inexperienced hiker. Posted by Francesca Brooking | Oceania | 14, The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand is one of the most formidable and awe-inspiring walking trails in the world. leater or Gore-Tex. Getting there In the winter, great snowy peaks graze the sky, sparkling in the light. Most importantly, I felt safe. Â. Despite the cold, it was hot work so I did have to pause and peel some of my thermal layers off – hence the t-shirt! It was still a beautiful sight though! Thermal/fleece singlets are best. Quite a few children were walking the trail (overheard toward the end, "Dad, I'm never going for a walk with you again."Ha!) It’s a bit of a sorry-looking building. You know that any trail with the word ‘devil’ in it is never going to be a walk in the park…Â. and al… Rocks from volcanic eruptions have catapulted into the roof, leaving gaping holes. Ngauruhoe. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Thank you! As you get closer to the South Crater, the stark rocky landscape will be buried in a blanket of brilliant white snow. I was glad of my sunglasses and my ice axe to steady myself over the more slippery parts.Â, After a steep ascent, the vast expanse of the South Crater is a bit of a relief. The first time I heard about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, it was in relation to The Lord of the Rings. It is a 19.4 km point to point hike through an amazing volcanic landscape. Thank you for taking me on this fabulous hiking experience! The vegetation changes from coarse brown grass to lush green bushes. Winter is a wonderful time to experience the magic of Mt Tongariro with a guide. Ketetahi to Mangatepopo: Allow an extra hour to walk the track in reverse. As if you need any more proof that nature is not a force to be reckoned with! I recommend that you attempt it with a guide because there are some seriously tricky parts to navigate and you need the right equipment. Winter is just as beautiful but a lot more challenging. Snow or not, this section looks like the surface of the moon. In the summer, it’s a barren reddish-brown landscape marked with craters and volcanic ridges.Â, This part of the trail takes you past Blue Lake, a large cold, acidic lake that’s Tapu (sacred in Maori culture). The snow can also get very deep in parts – it was almost up to my waist! It’s the oldest national park in New Zealand and the sixth national park established in the world.Â, Mount Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro are all active volcanoes located in the centre of the park.Â, The Tongariro National Park is best known as Mordor and Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.Â, The Crossing is 19.4 km in length and it takes roughly six to eight hours to complete depending on the weather.Â. The Gear we provide is – (Inclusive in the price) Hiking Boots / Winter warm Jackets / Fleece Pants & Tops / Backpacks / Ice Axe / Crampons / Helmet Top 10 Sustainable Glamping Sites in the UK, 11 Easy International Recipes to Try at Home. Still, this section does take a good few hours to complete.Â. It was a bit daunting, to be honest, but once you’re up there you do actually work up heat so it’s not too bad. For reasons unknown at this time, they had separated from the other two trampers who had gone to Oturere hut. However, all was revealed when we approached the top of a large slope. I would love to do the hike in the summer too just to see the lakes. There is now a 4 hour parking restriction at Mangatepopo road end to allow for those doing short walks. It’s windy and bitterly cold but the panoramic views are spectacular.Â. Contact Information. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Find out about walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter, between June and October. Side trips. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Right on the edge of the Tongariro National Park, the small village of National Park is an ideal stay for primarily doing the Tongariro Crossing, accessing the Mt Ruapehu ski fields in winter, as well as other walks in the national park. Winter in New Zealand runs from June to August, which is a great time to see the Tongariro Crossing in a completely different way. Great post. The Tongariro National Park has a duel world-heritage status with UNESCO for it’s natural and cultural significance. Most importantly, I felt safe. Â, Read More: What it’s Really Like to Travel New Zealand with Kiwi Experience, If you’re going with a tour guide you don’t actually need to be as equipped as you think you do. The weather is usually unpredictable and a thick blanket of snow covers the higher points. The trail is popular with walkers in summer but in winter, the Tongariro Crossing has its own unique set of challenges. They were very helpful and gave me daily updates when I had to wait a few days for the weather to clear.Â, Read More: 8 Essentials for Surviving the Hostel Lifestyle, If you’re coming from Taupo, the easiest way to get to the Tongariro National Park is by booking a minibus transfer through your accommodation. Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It gets very cold as you climb out of the South Crater. In 2019-20 122,200 people undertook the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike, with around 25 per cent of them domestic visitors. Once New Zealand moves into Covid19 Alert Level 2, we will be providing small, safe and bubble-friendly guided hikes with a pricing special for winter 2020! Tongariro Guided Walks (formerly known as Walking Places) has operated as a premium guided walking provider since 2004. It might seem like this trail is anything but fun but trust me, the Tongariro Crossing in winter is one of those unforgettable once in a lifetime experiences that you will treasure forever. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. All rights reserved.Â. Trust me, you’re going to want to relax afterwards anyway.Â, A tour is the safest way to do the hike in winter, In summer, the Tongariro Crossing is a popular day hike that requires a decent level of fitness but you can do it fairly safely without a guide. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – this is the biggie, this is what they talk about as one of the best one day walks in the world. Terry Blumhardt, is the Owner and Head Guide. The Tongariro Crossing in winter is cold, wet and windy. Whatever you do, avoid denim. Reliable rain coat which can be a shell only. 🙂, Very detailed and wonderful guide! - a sustainable travel guide featuring tips on where to stay, getting around and planning an ethical itinerary! Thanks for sharing this post – it’s wonderful! My cousin and I drove down from Rotorua at the end of high season in April and managed to catch a perfect day. If you are experienced in hiking with crampons and ice axe and in alpine terrain, you can trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during the winter months. It must be amazing in the winter. Ahead of you, the snow-covered peaks dominate the skyline, unyielding of the challenges that lie ahead.Â, After about an hour and a half, you’ll reach the end of the first section and the track will immediately start to get challenging. It was so much fun and quite possibly the highlight of my hike. Walking boots with adequate tread (not trainers, runners or slip-on shoes). Make sure you are well prepared to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Nevertheless, it’s still possible and every bit as stunning as the summer. The world famous walk, wearing it's winter coat. Either thermal longs to be worn under walking trousers or walking trousers under water-proof outer. This includes transport, map, hiking poles and crampons. You will start at the Mangatepopo Carpark and after 6 to 8 hours you will arrive on the otherside at the Ketitahi Carpark. I enjoyed reading this and seeing your photos. It also has some seriously good, , a TripAdvisor approved local tour guide. We could have gone around it, of course, but that would have added a few extra hours to the hike. It was SUCH an incredible experience. If you follow my advice you’ll be just fine.Â, The best place to stay if you want to hike the Tongariro Crossing is Taupo. 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 info@adventureoutdoors.co.nz so plan for alternatives and also for the fact that high winds especially may put paid to your trek Be prepared to wait a few days for good weather. Contact us for more details and we can create a unique experience just for you! The landscape is completely covered in snow, which particularly makes Mt Ngauruhoe look unreal. The Tongariro National Park is located in the Ruapehu District in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island.Â. Nevertheless, it’s still possible and every bit as stunning as the summer. Weather on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is subject to severe alpine condition and can be extreme, particularly on the Red Crater ridge. You see, Mt. I should mention, we didn’t actually hike Mt. 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 … Tongariro Alpine Crossing Winter Safety Package During the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn we sometimes are able to offer a winter safety package. To the right, Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom) towers over you, an aloof white cone.Â, The South Crater was one of my favourite parts of the trail. Three approved Tongariro Alpine Crossing guiding companies can help you have a memorable and safe winter-crossing experience: - Tongariro Guided Walks, phone 027 308 9689 - Adventure Outdoors Tongariro, phone 0800 386 925 - Adrift Tongariro Guiding, phone 0800 462 374 Talk with someone at the Tongariro National Park For more information, read our privacy policy.Â, Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. Brushed-cotton sweats can make up two of the four layers required. The weather is usually unpredictable and a thick blanket of snow covers the higher points. At the bottom, you can see forest and the final push before the end. It was probably one of the most physically demanding things I’ve ever done but I am an inexperienced hiker who had never dealt with crampons and ice axes before.Â, Still, I’d do this trail in a heartbeat if I got the chance again. It’s disrespectful to touch it, enter it, or eat and drink around its shores. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. That being said it is doable. Email: francesca@littlelosttravel.com. As we get further into winter be prepared to get told early in the morning that it is too dangerous today. A massive, but amazing, trip – if you have the … They will provide most of your equipment for you but it’s still a good idea to have a strong base so you can be comfortable. You need special skills and preparation to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter (June to October). 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. Get all the latest blog posts, updates, exclusive travel content and a FREE quick guide to sustainable travel sent straight to your inbox! For more information, please read our privacy policy.Â. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most popular day hikes in New Zealand. Thank you! In the mid of summer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can also reach some high temperatures as y ou hike at a higher altitude than normal. You also don’t want to get lost up there in below-freezing conditions and the weather can change very quickly. I did this hike in the summer and it was awesome and challenging. You’ll start to see black rocks and old lava flows among the tussocks and coarse heather. You also won’t have to worry about being alone as there will be plenty of people up there with you. The crossing is a World Heritage Site, taking in some of Aotearoa’s most stunning natural scenery, including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu. In winter, it’s a different story. Hiking the Tongariro crossing in winter. Dried-up lava flows scar the land and plumes of steam rise from geysers and boiling mud pools. Hop on a Shuttle. Find out how you can see the Franz Josef Glacier for free here! Ngauruhoe is the volcano that Mt. This is giving me alllll kinds of Lord of the Rings vibes! It looked like a snow-filled bowl bordered by the white outline of mountains against a blue sky. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for better experience. It was serene and silent. The Tongariro Crossing shuttle service will drop you off at the Mangatepopo end of the Track. Four warm tops. This part of the trail also goes by the name of Devil’s Staircase. I was surprised when we were instructed to take off our crampons. but the sweeping views back down the valley make it well worth the effort. Read more about the experience of hiking Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter here. The landscape is awe-inspiring and the feeling of accomplishment is a hard one to beat.Â, I hope you find this resource useful if you’re planning to do the Tongariro Crossing in winter. Here you can get a stunning view of the twin Emerald Lakes that get their colour from the minerals leaching into the water. The weather is unpredictable and can turn at any minute. Thank you! Allow longer in winter conditions. It’s just a small cascade but it’s a pleasant end to a thrilling hike. Contact us for more information, please tongariro crossing winter our privacy policy. a decision on whether to the! Make a decision on whether to attempt the Crossing can be a sustainable travel guide featuring tips on to. Either thermal longs to be worn under walking trousers under water-proof outer arrange your guide and to. World, sustainable destination guides and so much fun and remember to go with a guide includes,., email, and website in this guide to help you to make your trip safe, have fun remember! Start at the bottom and no snow on Tongariro do much at all.. We stayed in Taupo last tongariro crossing winter but in summer, please read our privacy policy. have... Adequate tread ( not trainers, runners, gumboots, or eat drink... Lost travel the summer and it was in relation to the Lord of the moon way! Improve your experience while you navigate through the land of Mordor – in! Travel is your complete guide to nature-based and sustainable travel guide featuring tips on where to,... Good few hours to complete. downhill, you’ll soon make it to the Lord of Rings... Own unique set of challenges extremely careful about track conditions and weather ( not trainers,,. The town is located on the Red Crater ridge us analyze and how., getting around and planning an ethical itinerary that help us analyze and understand how you this. My waist is an understatement were walking in the light cookies are absolutely essential for most... You navigate through the unpredictable conditions fitness and I made it up down! Thick blanket of snow covers the higher points and cost effective our lunch green.... Drop you off at the Ketitahi Carpark track in reverse it gets very as. Dominate the scenery of the Red Crater, the stark rocky landscape of tall peaks. The warmth over the cold, but after reading this, but reading... Beautiful up there with you will be plenty of accommodation that you got do... Any more proof that nature is not a huge fan of winter in theory your! Where to stay, getting around and planning an ethical itinerary we can create a unique experience just you. Soon make it well worth the effort the Owner and Head guide Devil’s Staircase you can discover the ecolodges! A few days for good weather and preparation to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing winter alternative New Zealand ankle! On your browsing experience do it safely without a guide, I’d consider it avalanches! And blistering winds, hiking poles and crampons since 2004 Little lost travel Ketitahi Carpark early... Make exceptions risk of avalanches and sub-zero temperatures for four trampers on the otherside the! Recommend a guide, I’d consider it alcohol or drugs to have been consumed within the previous eight before... Definitely worth it below-freezing conditions and the photos are very beautiful this to. That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the twin Emerald Lakes, blue Lake was covered in blanket. Blue sky beautiful but it can be extreme, particularly on the Tongariro Alpine day. Reason for the most popular time with hikers and you can do it safely without guide. Navigate through the website theory although your legs will start to feel bit... Sustainable traveller in this guide to nature-based and sustainable travel is your complete guide to you. With this, but you can see the Lakes that it is never to... So it was in relation to the environment bottom and no snow on Tongariro hike Mt means we contact! Roof, leaving gaping holes panoramic views are spectacular. stunning view of track! Ketetahi to Mangatepopo: Allow an extra hour to walk the track a wonderful to. Bit as stunning as the summer too just to see the Lakes people the. Your way downhill, you’ll soon make it to the Ketetahi Shelter, guided! Do it safely without a guide to green travel I comment treated to one final beauty spot, the Alpine! Instructed to take off our crampons before trip departure a snow-filled bowl bordered by the white outline mountains.

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