The Crossing
Q1 – How hard is it?
20.2 km of track which climbs variably from 1100 metres at the start to 1900 at the highest and then back to about 750 metres for the finish. I think the best description is that afterwards you will know you have done some work. That said, people of all ages and fitness complete the crossing every year. The best approach is one of preparation, do not take it lightly and come properly equipped.
Q2 – How long does it take?
Hard to answer but our standard reply is from 6-8 hours. Sure we have people who race over in 4 or 5 hours and the record for running it is 95 minutes but the whole point of having our range of departure and pick up times is that you complete it in the time that is comfortable and convenient for you.
Q3 – Can I buy food or water on the track?
There are no shops of any kind either on the track or at the start or finish of the track. Such commercial activities are not allowed in the national park.
Q4 – Can I get water on the track?
No, you must bring your own water. The minimum amount necessary is 1.5 litres per person. The hut along the track does have water for emergencies and for the people staying in the hut. You forgetting to bring enough water is NOT considered an emergency.
Q5 – Are there toilets on the track?
Yes, there are toilets at the start, at the end and at several points in between. Please. Please, please make use of the toilets and do not pollute the park by going behind a rock.
Q6 – Are there rubbish / trash bins on the walk?
No. You take it in, you bring it out.
Q7 – Is there a reason that most people seem to hike from Mangatepopo Road and finish at the Ketetahi road end. Why not the other way?
The starting point is at higher altitude than the finish. It is easier to hike downhill. The steepest part of the track is around 1-2 hours into the track from Mangatepopo road end, easier done in the morning. Often there is a westerly wind, you will have tail wind for the first part of the track.
Q8 – What happens if I have an accident or injure myself on the track?
Given the number of people who hike the crossing accidents and injuries are surprisingly rare. That said you can make it easier on yourself by firstly NOT leaving the established, marked track. Other hikers might be able to help you and ultimately search and rescue will be able to find you easier. Secondly, communicate. Give us a call or ring the emergency number in New Zealand. It is 111 (one-one-one). Effective communication is enhanced by knowing where on the track you are. Thirdly, ask for help. Other hikers will help you if you ask so don’t be shy.
Q9 – Are there any side tracks I should do?
There are no side tracks to the peaks of Mt Tonagriro and Mt Ngauruhoe. Please comply with DOC and Iwi requests and respect the mountains. Don’t wander off the main track of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. From a safety point of view hikers who are not on the marked track are much harder to find in an emergency.
Q10 – What if I am really slow and miss the last bus?
If you need more time, depart earlier in the morning. We have pick-ups all afternoon. If you can not make it for the 5.30 bus, give us a call. We will organise an extra shuttle to come out to collect you, cost minimum $ 100.
Q11 – Why are there no return buses later than 5:30pm?
Due to legal limits on how long our drivers can work in a day, 5.30 pm is our last scheduled bus back. In summer darkness falls here around 8.30 pm. This gives us (and Search and Rescue) a few hours of daylight to take action should anyone be missing and need help.
Q12 – Are we free to park at the start or finish of the track?
Ketatahi and Mangatepoppo road ends have a 4 hour parking restriction during the summer months.
Q13 – Where can we park for the one way shuttle, if we need more than 4 hours?
You can park at the park and ride hub just down the road form the end of the track, off SH46. And book you bus to the start with nationalparkshuttles.com.
Other Walks
Q14 – What if the Crossing is too much for me, what other tracks are available?
A lot ! From Whakapapa Village itself there are numerous tracks for all abilities and interests from 5 hours (Tama Lakes) down to 20 minutes (Tawhai Falls track) in duration. Further up the mountain you can take the Sky Waka gondola and explore Ruapehu itself. There is a DOC visitor centre in Whakapapa with lot’s more info.
Q15 – How do I get to these other tracks?
You can drive your car to most locations. If you need a bus, see the Timetable Page for a bus to and from Whakapapa Village.
Our Services
Q16 – How do I book a bus?
You can book it right here, just need a credit card, phone number and know your date. You can also book through any I-site in New Zealand. Your accommodation in National Park Village will be able to arrange it for you as well.
The Weather
Q17 – I am coming to do the crossing on March 22, 2024. What will the weather be like for the crossing that day?
Believe it or not we get these kind of questions as well. A good forecast of weather conditions on a specific date is really only available 2 days before that date.
Q18 – How will I know what the weather will be like on my intended walking day?
You will never know for sure. The weather is always changing and forecasts are hard to make, more so in alpine areas like the Tongariro National Park. Often even 1 day out it can be inaccurate.
Q19 – How can I best choose a day with good weather?
You can look at forecasts for 5 days in advance and pick your day based on that. 2 day forecasts are better still. Bring wet weather gear and be prepared to change your plans at short notice.
Q20 – What aspects of the weather should I be looking at?
From a safety point of view the risky aspects are wind, rain and visibility. High winds especially are a problem and more so in combination with even light rain. Rain without high winds are not a safety issue. Occasionally low cloud cover does produce visibility problems. You should also be looking at any dramatic changes which may occur during the day, both positive and negative (perhaps you may start the crossing in poor conditions with the promise of a great day to emerge). Putting safety aside hikers may want to look at other weather aspects from an enjoyment point of view such as temperature, overcast, sunshine, etc.
Q21 – How cold will it be on the crossing?
Alpine forecasts will mention temperatures in forecasts but these are variable depending where you are and how exposed the location is. The best measure is to look at the freezing level and reference it to the altitude on the track.
Clothing and Equipment
Q22 – The forecast is for warm sunny weather, why do I have to carry all that stuff you recommend?
No weather forecast is a guarantee. This area has very changeable and unpredictable weather. All hikers need to be prepared for the worst, not the best.
Q23 – I am travelling the world light, what if I don’t have the things needed?
These are some places in National Park Village that rent gear. Howards, National Park Backpackers, Snowzone.
Q24 – Who is checking that I am properly equipped?
No one is checking. There is no gate to the track you must pass through. In New Zealand it is strongly felt that you should always take ultimate responsibility for yourself. Be prepared for your own good and for the good of all those people who may have to come and rescue you because you didn’t take the time to equip yourself properly. That said, TCS reserves the right to refuse to carry passengers who are not properly dressed/equipped.
