Sarah Cate says that walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during winter is still an unforgettable experience. Expert guides such as those employed by Adventure Outdoors, understand the conditions and hazards on the mountain intimately and know what to do when conditions take a turn for worse. While the Tongariro Alpine Crossing should always be taken seriously (you are walking 19.4km over an active volcano after all! It can be done without a guide most of the year.
Blue Lake has formed where cold fresh water fills an old vent. The track crosses many streams and is heavily eroded. Pukekaikiore is to the right and ahead. It is believed to be one the oldest vents in the Tongariro complex. Both Pukekaikiore and Pukeonake witnessed the last ice age when glaciers from Tongariro carved down through Mangatepopo Valley. The giant cone of Ngauruhoe and the flatter form of Tongariro are visible ahead. Ngauruhoe is a younger ‘parasitic’ cone on the side of Tongariro.
Can you walk Tongariro in the rain?
For your safety, it is essential that you are properly prepared to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is not safe to go in poor visibility, heavy rain or snow, or strong wind. The walk to Tama Lakes from Whakapapa Village is a good alternative day walk in suitable weather conditions.
It takes approximately eight hours to complete the Tongariro Alpen Crossing in winter. Walking Legends stops leading guided walks in the Tongariro National Park at the end of April. We are more comfortable hiking in fair weather, so we hibernate during winter.
The final section takes you through tussock slopes and into cool green forest. It is a refreshing change from the volcanic landscape. You might want to check out the Tripadvisor page I’ve set up which displays the accommodation closest to the mountain first. No matter which shuttle company you choose, book your tickets online so you can keep track of the transaction.
This is the perfect habitat for a variety of New Zealand’s native birds. In forested areas, you may see bellbird/korimak, tui, New Zealand robin/toutouwai, tomtit/miromiro, fantail/piwakawaka and maybe New Zealand’s smallest bird the rifleman/titipounamu. Part of the shuttle fee of about $40 helps DOC with conservation projects.
Mt Ruapehu activity: Residents playing it cool over mountain’s sporadic activity – New Zealand Herald
Mt Ruapehu activity: Residents playing it cool over mountain’s sporadic activity.
Be prepared to turn back if conditions are no longer safe or if your progress is too slow. Have the clothing for sub-zero temperatures and be able to survive if the weather get worse. Transport and guiding operators, i-SITES and visitor centres will be advised automatically via email.
The good news is that if you are on a guided tour, you will usually have the equipment you need. Always check with the first. You should exercise caution when trekking on the Tongariro during the winter because it is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions such as snow and high winds. Read more about Tongarirocrossing.com carpark here. Increased risk of snow, ice and avalanche terrain, as well as sub-zero temperatures, are all factors that can increase the danger.
Once you are at the bottom, you will need to climb again in order to reach the Blue Lake.
Cotton T-shirts and jeans are clearly not a good idea. You’ll need special equipment such as crampons or an ice axe.
Peak season runs from November through April, and it can get really busy in February and March.
