Let me explain: 'Summer' is when there is no snow on the track. This is when there is snow on the track requiring cramp-ons. We give you a map and information sheet. Guiding options have limited spots available. 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. 1. Check here to see the latest updates on volcanic activity in the area. There is a staff member that goes up ahead of the group to assess the track and weather conditions. Best time of year to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Shuttle transport recommended for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. At this time of year, you’ll get a feel for the trek without having to deal with ice and snow. Unexpected winds have the ability to create cool, dry conditions, and for unprepared hikers on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this can mean immediate danger. The trek can be done in spring, summer, fall, and winter. 'Winter' is usually August and September. Tongariro Crossing Weather Tips. This is usually June, July and October. We also pick up from Base Camp, and a car park in from of the Tongariro Holiday Park. The seasons to us on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing are not specific dates on the calendar, oh no. You will gain 765 meters elevation and lose 1125 meters if you hike from Mangatepopo car park to Ketetahi car park. We rode the Northern Express train from Auckland, stopped in Ohakune for two nights to do the Crossing, and continued on to Wellington. It’s a generally safe time to do a freedom hike (without a guide) of the Tongariro Crossing. Best time of year to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the summer season, which starts from October and lasts until April. The reason? 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. 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. "So our message is it's a very challenging hike. It will take between 6-9 hours to complete the hike, which doesn’t include the time spent getting to and from the carparks. For these different seasons, there are different types of tours and transport options we have to help you make your crossing a safe experience. You need special skills and preparation to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter (June to October). September – Fully guided Transport Only Options for November to June. If they remain safe they let you pass. ‘Summer’ is usually November to May. At a comfortable speed with plenty of stops for photos (or resting – we are not judging), it takes between 7-8 hours to complete. We have hire gear on the bus if you need it and we give you a map and information sheet. This is when there is snow on the track requiring cramp-ons. Mangatepopo Car Park to Soda Springs(4.3km) This is the easiest part of the hike, and is flat for the most part. This option includes gear, transport and guide. 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 will normally mean hiking with hundreds and hundreds of tourists. 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. The track is well marked and easy to follow. You are equipped with cramp-ons and an ice axe that you are trained in using plus a helmet. We offer shuttle services from Taupo, Turangi, Base Camp and Ketetahi. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing Route. 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. 'Winter' is usually August and September. The best season for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The track is well mark and you do not require a guide. We also specialise in Private Transfers making it easy for you to get around. 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). Tongariro National Park (/ ˈ t ɒ ŋ ɡ ə r ɪr oʊ /; Māori: [tɔŋaɾiɾɔ]) is the oldest national park in New Zealand, located in the central North Island.It has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of mixed cultural and natural values.. Tongariro National Park was the sixth national park established in the world. Wind. My wife and I did the Tongariro Crossing on February 8, 2019. Guiding can be organised on request. 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. Managing this number of walkers and their impacts is essential. 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. There are increased risks from snow, ice, avalanche … Which can cause a few horrible issues such as: bottle necks of people on narrow parts of the track My wife and I did the Tongariro Crossing on February 8, 2019. During this post, we run through what to expect with the different seasons and when the best times to hike the Crossing are. Once you decide on your Transport option then we would put through a partial refund. – You should set aside a whole day to hike the Tongariro crossing. October – Track safety You should start walking the crossing between 8-9am. 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.. 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. You will also be … My cousin and I drove down from Rotorua at the end of high season in April and managed to catch a perfect day. 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. Transport only options are available from most accommodation providers in Taupo and Turangi. 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). That way you are hiking your way back to your car. In winter, we offer either 'Fully guided' or 'Track Safety'. So, what does this mean when you are trying to book ahead of time? 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. 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. Ketetahi to Mangatepopo: Allow an extra hour to walk the track in reverse. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way 19.4km track. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4km of pure rugged New Zealand beauty. It can change between ‘Freedom hiking’, ‘Track safety’ and ‘Fully guided’ day by day. 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. So, what do the seasonal terms mean to us? and al… 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. 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. We try our best to accommodate all our guests and make adjustments as we go along, in case you need a different option. If you are trying the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for the first time, it’s best to go in the summer. They at times have to cut steps or take a detour if needed. 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. The Tongariro Alpine crossing traverses areas with active volcanoes. The Great Walk hiking season runs from late October through till the end of April, depending on snow cover. We take you to the start of the track. 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! Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage area due to its outstanding natural features and cultural significance. 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. 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. However, every season brings dramatically different Tongariro Crossing weather. Track safety is when there is not too much snow and it is safe to hike with cramp-ons without support. Once you figure out your dates look into what the conditions will be like and dress accordingly. In winter, we offer either 'Fully guided' or 'Track Safety'. What’s Up With The Tongariro Crossing Seasons. On a busy fine day over 2000 hikers can be hiking the Crossing. The guides show you the way as the marker pole may not be visible or the conditions could be white out. I hope this helps you to book confidently for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for any season. The temperatures are warmer and it’s a completely different experience to crossing in winter. 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. © 2020 Tongariro Expeditions. Ketetahi car park is a one-way shuttle where you park your car at the end of the track in the morning. We suggest you book Track Safety for July and October. 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