Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Join us to find out why this is often referred to as the best one day walk in New Zealand, (if not the world), with a guide who will reveal some of the secrets of this stunning area. Enjoy an unhurried experience over Tongariro, as we avoid the crowds, because we are walking at your pace, and not to a bus timetable. Take in the varied colours and textures and the landscape changes dramatically throughout the day.
This challenging one day alpine trek covers a little over 19km and encounters a varied range of landforms and views, with areas of geological importance, and of great cultural significance, as it heads up and over Mt Tongariro. The direction that we walk this track makes good sense, climbing some 776m (or 2528ft), but descending a total of 1126m (or 3716ft)!
Built by fiery eruptions and sculpted by glaciers, learn about the significance of Tongariro to those who live nearby, and the history of this, the first Dual World Heritage National Park in New Zealand.
A fully catered, quality guided walking experience up on to the awesome Mt Tongariro, this package includes transport from Turangi, National Park and Whakapapa Villages, a fantastic lunch, and, of course, all the benefits of being accompanied by one of our friendly, knowledgeable guides.
The trek begins at 1100m (3630ft) by heading into the Mangatepopo Valley, with its eroded volcanic terrain, evidence of the glacier that once carved it out, and more recently, lava flows from Mount Ngauruhoe.
The views that spread far beyond the National Park will leave you breathless.
This gradual climb takes about one to one and a half hours, before reaching the foot of new (2008) deviation. This climb takes around an hour, and is the greatest single gain of altitude for the day, but the views over the valley make it all worthwhile. The new track makes the climb truly manageable.
The walk through the very flat South Crater is easier and leads to the last climb for the day. The track leading up to the Summit Ridge is in a more natural state, and takes between half and three quarters of an hour. The prize is reaching Red Crater at 1886m (or 6224ft). The volcanic activity is so real that not only can you see it, but you can feel it and smell it too!
Below, the spectacular Central Crater sprawls out below, adorned with its three stunning Emerald Lakes. The views north to Lake Taupo never cease to impress. Your guide will help you master the art of the exhilarating steep descent to the breathtaking Emerald Lakes.
We move off through Central Crater, and a short climb brings us to Te Wai-whakaata-o-te-Rangihiroa (Blue Lake). This stunning lake mirrors the sky as we skirt along the edge, to begin our descent of the northern side of Tongariro.
A change of altitude and landscape means a change of plant life, as we descend toward the Ketetahi Hut, and down through the swaying tussock grass to the native forest at the foot of the mountain.
If this sounds a little tough, maybe our Tongariro Alpine Experience would suit you better, starting in the same place and climbing to the same high point, but returning to the start, meaning a less fatiguing descent, but still covering a respectable 16km. Walking Places has plenty of options to suit you.
New Zealand’s changeable climate is part of what makes our landscape so unique and spectacular, so we need to be prepared for this. The weather can change several times in a day, and it can snow in the Tongariro National Park at any time of year, so walkers need to dress appropriately and carry clothing suitable for all conditions. Winter conditions mean snow and ice will be present on the track and therefore specialised equipment such as (ice axes and crampons) is supplied and carried. Training in the use of these ice axes and crampons will be given by your guide, and small group sizes mean plenty of personal attention.
Prices
| Trip size: 2 or more people | Trip Size: 1 Person |
|---|---|
| $180.00 per person | $275.00 per person |
