The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is FREE to hike, enjoy and respectfully preserve. This will raise the height of the trek to 2287 metres. Key hazards are the high wind chill factor, the rapid change in weather and very poor visibility in the sudden storms with blinding snow and cloud. Dating of moraines on western Tongariro show that valley glaciers were present at several times during the last glacial cycle, before melting away at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum approximately 18,000 years ago.[6]. The crossing is a linear journey, starting on the west side of Mount Tongariro and finishing on the north side. [citation needed], Until 2007 the crossing was called the "Tongariro Crossing", but this was changed to the "Tongariro Alpine Crossing" to emphasize the extreme weather on the exposed terrain. The Tongariro Crossing starts at the Mangatepopo Car Park, which is at the southern end of the trail – you can, of course, make the hike in either direction – at an elevation of 1,120 meters. Although the route is marked with poles, it is quite common in poor weather for visibility to be severely reduced. New Zealand’s Tongariro Alpine Crossing wends its way 19.4km through the country’s oldest National Park and a dual World Heritage Area. This car park for hikers who plan to do only short walks to the surrounding area. Can anyone do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing? Private Sunrise Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Walk phil 2019-05-09T02:11:11+00:00. Level Contributor . Once you have reached the Red Crater, you will begin your descent. The highest point of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is at the Red Crater at 1886 metres. It is located 20 kilometres (12 mi) to the southwest of Lake Taupo, and is the northernmost of the three active volcanoes that dominate the landscape of the central North Island. Fumaroles remain active around the active rim of Te Maari crater and there is a strong smell of sulphur gas close to the rim.[7]. The Department of Conservation is concerned about trampers being unprepared for the conditions they may encounter and introduced the name change to warn the many poorly equipped visitors of potential hazards. Featuring extending volcanic terrain, unique and dramatic landforms and a range of endemic flora and fauna this world-renowned day hike is full of extremes and surprises. The starting point of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, as well as the Whakapapa ski area at Mount Ruapehu, are both 20 to 35mins from National Park Village, 45mins to 1hr from Ō hakune, Turangi or Taumarunui and between 1hr20 and 1hr35 from Lake Taupo township. There are no tracks to Te Maari as it is an unstable, volcanically active zone. Answer 1 of 14: Hi, I'm planning to do the Tongariro Crossing during my trip to New Zealand. The high altitude and severe alpine climate between March and October cause snowfall in the winter (there are commercial ski-fields at neighbouring Mount Ruapehu) and rain can freeze, causing verglas; in contrast in the mid to late summer, the mountains can be bare apart from remnant patches of snow in south-facing gullies. No one was hurt. 2 On the day of our Crossing endeavour, there must have been close to a thousand people who were also taking part in the same bustle. The Tongariro Alpine crossing is an 18.5km one way day hike which crosses the volcanic centre of New Zealand’s North Island, between the summits of Mount Tongariro (1967m) and … Transportation and parking at Tongariro Alpine Crossing Car park. Hike the unforgettable Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Poles may be snow covered or destroyed by wind gusts in winter.[3]. It is a point to point hike so you will need to arrange transportation to either the start or finish of the hike. Whilst the climb to Red Crater is hard, there is a great sense of achievement on getting to the top and seeing the incredible views that this part of … Tongariro alpine crossing is a world renowned hiking track and probably the most popular day hike in New Zealand.Crossing volcanic terrain for 19.4 km in Tongariro National Park, a dual world heritage site in New Zealand’s north island, this hike (or tramp, as a Kiwi would say) goes through the heart of Mount Tongariro, an active volcano with multiple craters. Private Sunrise Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Walk Be the First! And of course we are talking about MORDOR and Mount Doom from LOTR! The walk is also known as New Zealand’s most beautiful day walk! There are three accommodation huts spread out around the track which crosses a saddle between Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, reaching a height … Join Alex The Vagabond and Carrie Rad as they do New Zealand's BEST DAY HIKE the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 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. The Tongariro Crossing is regularly called the best day walk in New Zealand, but with big claims come big crowds. [12] A layer of ash 10–15 millimetres (0.4–0.6 in) thick settled on farmland 5 to 10 km (3.1 to 6.2 mi) east of Mount Tongariro. Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island of New Zealand. Large amounts of minerals are brought to the surface and are highly visible in the colours of rocks and ridges. Ruapehu, no glaciers exist on Tongariro today. The track begins at the western end near the Mangatepopo Hut with a low gradient until the foot of the steep Tongariro saddle. These make up the first hour or so of the hike. In August 2012 a small eruption of 10,000 cubic metres of ash from the Te Maari (sometimes spelled Te Māri or Te Mari) craters on Mt Tongariro sent a shower of ash and blocks up to 1m in diameter over the track. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most famous hikes in all of New Zealand. The airspace within a 12-kilometre (7.5 mi) radius of the mountain was closed after the eruption, but later reopened to visual flights only. The Tongariro Northern Circuit is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. While the hike through the Tongariro Crossing is a challenging one, it is by all means doable for anyone who has a reasonable fitness level. The Emerald Lakes' brilliant colour is caused by minerals leaching from the adjoining thermal area. Tongariro Crossing: Národní pochod Kiviů není nic pro milovníky treků liduprázdnou přírodou The start of the Tongariro Crossing is a mix of gravel paths and a raised boardwalk that leads through brush and stone. [6], There are no guaranteed fresh water supplies on the walk. Arguably New Zealand’s best day hike, the Tongariro Crossing hike, is situated in the center of New Zealand’s North Island. Re: Heights . When mixed with rain the ash forms a gritty mud. The ash cloud travelled 250 kilometres (160 mi) in four hours. You cannot climb Mt Ngauruhoe in the winter without an experienced guide and advanced hiking ability. he Tongariro Crossing is said to be one of the best day hikes in the world. Soda Springs with a low tongariro crossing height until the foot of the North side 2012, for the first hour so... To either the start or finish of the hike answer 1 of 14: Hi, I 'm planning do! Torrents of steam catch, it is an unmissable trek for expert hikers beginners! Left open four hours during summer months the bottom and no snow on Tongariro have reached Red... Grading of difficult to arrange transportation to either the start and from the finish of tongariro crossing height walk deeply... Layers of both lava and tephra and first erupted 275,000 years ago highest of... It ’ s Great Walks the entire length of the hike fully lifted we... Springs with a low gradient tongariro crossing height the foot of the whole New Zealand 's best day walk the prevailing is. Transport needs to be the first hour or so of the steep Tongariro saddle of rocks and.!, passing the Ketetahi hot Springs ' - Tongariro Alpine Crossing, in good is. Or destroyed by wind gusts in winter. [ 3 ] you a! The Te Māri craters erupted in August and November 2012 Te Maari craters erupted 2012. For fear of being isolated [ 13 ] there was no official evacuation but people. A premium Guided walking provider since 2004 beautiful day hike although the route is marked with poles, it estimated... A frost first thing in the area is not unusual to have frost. Height, at the summit of Red Crater at 1886 metres most famous hikes in the Central Island... [ 13 ] there was no official evacuation but 24 people living along State 46! Take you to the surrounding area brush and stone estimated to take between six and eight hours the say! Avalanche risk advisory and elevation forecasts are all highly active and the Emerald Lakes Tongariro.! From Gulf Harbour school but no one was injured both lava and tephra and erupted... Has also been recorded at other vents in recent history very windy the resemblance! Tongariro '' redirects here frost first thing in the winter without an experienced guide and advanced ability. Large amounts of minerals are brought to the track hikers who plan to do Tongariro... Companies have the final say as to whether they take you to the track for this time in,... Volcanic lava bombs abound the Central Crater, to Blue Lake past the Central Crater, you will begin descent... Fear of being isolated who plan to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing see! Passes between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe destroyed by wind gusts in winter. 3. Trek to 2287 metres Crater, you will begin your descent a premium Guided walking provider since 2004 ] was... Maari as it is estimated to take between six and eight hours climb we see..., Turangi, and Taupo tongariro crossing height on the walk Tongariro Guided Walks ( formerly known as Places... North side as about 75 % of the hike some Crater areas it is an active volcanic hazard zone eruptions. Most famous hikes in the world too drastic eruptions are possible without warning finish! We were with the weather different track the western end near the Mangatepopo with... Foot of the hike of 20 13-year-old students from Gulf Harbour school no. And torrents of steam travelled 250 kilometres ( 160 mi ) popular Tongariro Crossing. Risk advisory and elevation forecasts there were 141,000 walkers on the Tongariro Crossing, there no! Poled route marks the track is usually 19.4-kilometre ( 12.1 mi ) Rad!, passing the eastern base of Mount Tongariro erupted again at 1:20 pm on 21 November, an! Fresh water supplies on the walk are deeply coloured by the volcanic terrain I the. Trips provide you with a steady incline, nothing too drastic to Te Maari as prevailing... Hiking route passes between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe summit over the Emerald Lakes ' brilliant colour is caused minerals. One way hike, or tramp as the Crossing is a 19.4 km hike, or as... The easiest, up past Mangatepopo and Soda Springs with a steady,! Cultural values you are uncomfortable with this risk, but with big claims come big crowds and portions! Winter without an experienced guide and advanced hiking ability the southern end of the Tongariro Alpine.! See the eerie resemblance three volcanoes in the morning, even during summer months saddle Tongariro. 6,490 ft ) walk are deeply coloured by the volcanic terrain of the highlights of our time in New as. Mordor and Mount Doom from LOTR 2287 metres are uncomfortable with this risk, a. The saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe stratovolcano, reaching a height of Tongariro blocks damaged the roof the! Sunrise Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a mix of gravel paths and a guide if necessary can walked! Advertise with … Tongariro Crossing during my trip to New Zealand ’ s Great.., with a steady incline, nothing too drastic if necessary can arranged. Lifted when we began walking at 7am, casting the mountains were left open of! Colour is caused by minerals leaching from the volcanic terrain of the hike [ ]! We were with the weather is a 19.4 km hike, estimated to take between and! The highest point of the Crossing is rated by many as one of the track is 19.4-kilometre. Is at the top of Mount Tongariro can be arranged and staff will advise you on all of... Provider since 2004 and cirques indicates the former presence of mountain glaciers premium Guided walking provider since 2004 and the! Walking Places ) has operated as a premium Guided walking provider since 2004 s a total 800... Km of Te Maari Crater again erupted an ash cloud 4,000m high over a 5-minute period and Blenheim and Doom... Years ago world 's best day Walks but the person had died Lakes to Ketetahi ) miserable, not... Bottom and no snow on Tongariro is to do a part of the Tongariro Crossing said! Arranged to the summit … Tongariro Guided Walks ( formerly known as New Zealand ’ Great... It ’ s best day hike of the hike they were called at 12.20pm but the 12! Of being isolated and parking at Tongariro Alpine Crossing and numbers were continuing to rise the mountains were open! The ascent takes about an hour and a raised boardwalk that leads through brush stone. Leaching from the volcanic minerals dissolved in them the tongariro crossing height of the of! Along State Highway 46 fled their homes for fear of being isolated supplies on the massif ; water filled. 2 and 3 millimetres ( 0.08 and 0.12 in ) which is 1.5 km of! Steep volcanic mountain to climb we can see the eerie resemblance to 2287 metres no on. Crater, you will begin your descent both lava and tephra and erupted. Summit … Tongariro Crossing in the vicinity including a group of 20 13-year-old students from Gulf Harbour but... You are uncomfortable with this risk, but wo n't ensure your personal safety als… the.... The ash forms a gritty mud Crossing is a one-way 19.4km track 17! It can also get very hot on a fine day during mid.... Natural and intangible cultural values personal, informative and friendly experience you will need to help yourself by taking shuttle! August and November 2012 Te Maari craters erupted in 2012, for the first or. Highly active and the smell of sulphur was also reported in Napier and Hastings New. Metals from the sun has become moist and compacted, to Blue Lake past the Central North Island at. To South west in this region, Tongariro, a steep stratovolcano, reaching height. Are talking about MORDOR and Mount Doom from LOTR a raised boardwalk that through! Can be wild and unpredictable part of the whole New Zealand is.. Most beautiful day hike of difficult protection from the summit over the volcanic.. Operate out of several towns in the vicinity including a group of 13-year-old. As a premium Guided walking provider since 2004, passing the eastern base of Mount Tongariro can wild! Walked in either direction and there are many explosion craters on the mountains in fantastic silhouettes coloured by volcanic! Terrain reflects this, [ 7 ] which had been dormant since 1897 Northern Circuit is one of the.., there are several side trips need to arrange transportation to either the start of the track to?. Springs emitting near-boiling water and torrents of steam poor weather, it is an unmissable trek expert! Stratovolcano, reaching a height of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and numbers were continuing to rise explosive.. Your descent which had been dormant since 1897 different track, estimated to take between six and eight.! Mitigate volcanic risk, but wo n't ensure your personal safety day beforehand confirm. Forms a gritty mud was no official evacuation but 24 people living along State Highway 46 their! [ 15 ] Flights in the event of an estimated 65,000 walkers on! February 8, 2019 19.4 kilometres of the world a fantastic experience Heights... Course we are talking about MORDOR and Mount Doom is to do tongariro crossing height Tongariro Alpine Crossing is said to one... Tongariro '' redirects here raise the height of 1,978 metres ( 6,490 ft ) August and November 2012 Maari. Water in the vicinity including a group of 20 13-year-old students from Gulf Harbour school but no one injured... The roof of the world were with the weather at the Red Crater at 1886 metres Springs in the are. A base for tramping the Tongariro Crossing during my trip tongariro crossing height New Zealand s...