The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Ohakune is without a doubt the best place to stay when doing the Tongariro Crossing. The North Island's only mountain town offers a great choice of accommodation, excellent dining and shopping opportunities and a spectacular setting at the foot of the mystical Mount Ruapehu. Set right in the heart of the Tongariro National Park, Ohakune is the perfect place to rest and prepare for the Tongariro Crossing.
The world renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing has a reputation as New Zealand's best day hike and ranks in the top 10 (one day walks ) in the world.And it's just a shuttle bus ride away from Ohakune.Ohakune's facilities and services are geared towards outdoor activities and the wealth of local knowledge can only serve to enhance your experience.
Distance: 19.4km
Time: 7-9hrs – allow an extra 2hrs if climbing Ngauruhoe
Start Point: Mangatepopo car park, 35mins from Ohakune
Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
The other-worldly landscapes along this route have been shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity, from the immense craters to the twisted lava formations.
The formed track leads up to the saddle between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro, which is not just one volcano but a complex network of many craters. After reaching the Red Crater (1886m above sea level) the track descends to the Blue Lake then drops down to the spectacular Emerald Lake.The track then proceeds around the northern side of Mt Tongariro zig zagging down to the Ketetahi Hut then passing through tussock plains and following a stream into a canopy of native forest and finally reaching the Ketetahi Car Park.
Essential items for the trek
Weather conditions can be extremely changeable from very hot to bitterly cold. It is necessary to be prepared for all conditions.
- It is a good idea to take a small pack for spare clothing and food
- A good supply of water. (Take extra if you are doing the summit walks or it is a hot day)
- Ample supply of food and snacks as nothing can be purchased on the track
- Very sturdy footwear as the volcanic terrain is uneven in places
- It is advisable to wear either polypropylene or merino clothing next to the skin in cold conditions
- A waterproof jacket/over trousers
- Woollen hat & gloves
- Sunscreen (very important)
- Mobile phone in case of emergency
Shuttle Services
During the summer months several companies run a shuttle service from Ohakune to the start of the trail and will collect you at the finish point to return you back to your accommodation.
The Crossing during Winter
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be done during the winter on a fine day, however it is essential to be accompanied by an experienced guide as conditions can be extreme such as avalanches, ice walls , snow and very strong winds. Special equipment such as pickaxes, crampons and other survival equipment are necessary for your safety. The experience is exceptional and well worth the effort.
Pocket Ranger
The Department of Conservation and Project Tongariro smartphone application.
New Zealand’s first interactive smartphone application Called the Pocket Ranger, the free to download app is designed to offer an interactive and multi-media experience that provides interpretation, maps and images of the unique natural features of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing while at the same time conveys important safety messages.
Click here to download the free app www.tongariro.org.nz/pocketranger
 | ||
| ||
 |
