The Crossing
Q1 - How hard is it?
It is 19km of track which climbs variably from 1100 metres at the start to 2000 at the highest and then back to about 1100 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 huts along the track do have water for emergencies and for the people staying in the huts. 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 walk from Mangatepopo Road and finish at the Ketetahi road end. Why not the other way?
The steepest part of the track is near the Mangatepopo Road end of the track. It is thought better if tired people after a long days walk are not then faced with the most difficult downhill part of the track. Walking downhill is when you are most likely to have an accident. It is also much easier to walk with the flow of other people on the track rather than having to constantly dodge around them all by coming the other way.
Q8 - What happens if I have an accident or in jure myself on the track?
Given the number of people who walk the crossing accidents and injury are surprisingly rare. That said you can make it easier on yourself by firstly NOT going of the established track. Passers-by and ultimately search and rescue can find you much easier if you are on the track where you are supposed to be. Secondly, communicate. Take your phone and use it if necessary, the emergency number in New Zealand is 111 (one-one-one). Effective communication is enhanced by knowing where on the track you are. Thirdly, ask for help. Other walkers will help you if you ask so don’t be shy. You can also take re-assurance that TCS knows where you are. We have your name and if you don’t emerge at the other end of the track then procedures to find you will swing into action.
Q9 - Are there any side tracks I should do?
There are no official tracks as such for the peaks of Mt Tonagriro and Mt Ngarahoe. We ask that you comply with DOC and Iwi requests that you stay on the track that is provided. Detours elsewhere add unnecessarily to the damage our human presence causes. From a safety point of view walkers who are not on the established track are much harder to find in an emergency.
Q10 - What if I am really slow and miss the last bus?
We have a lot of pick-ups but due to legal limits on how long our drivers can work in a day they are not unlimited. If we need to make a special trip to collect you because you missed all 5 return buses then there will be an extra fee.
Q11 - Why are there no return buses later than 6pm?
This is to give us some leeway in case something goes wrong. In summer darkness falls here around 8.30 pm and having our last bus at 6 then gives us 2 hours of daylight to take action should anyone be missing and need help.
Other Walks
Q12 - 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 down to 20 minutes in duration. Further up the mountain you can take the ski lift and explore Ruapehu itself. There is also the DOC visitor centre in Whakapapa with lot’s more info on what is available.
Q13 - How do I get to these other tracks?
See the Timetable Page for a bus to and from Whakapapa Village
Our Services
Q14 - 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 also be able to arrange it with us for you.
The Weather
Q15 - I am coming to do the crossing on March 22, 2019. What will the weather be like for the crossing that day?
Believe it or not we get this kind of question all the time. A useful idea of weather conditions on a specific date is really only available 2 days before that date.
Q16 - How will I know what the weather will be like on my intended walking day?
Short answer is that you will never know for sure. Like everywhere in the world weather forecasting here is not an exact science and forecasting in alpine areas is even more inaccurate. We will issue our summary 2 days prior and you can access many different weather forecasting websites, including the one on our website.
Q17 - How can I best choose a day with good weather?
Sadly you really can’t. DON’T look at forecasts 10 days in advance and pick your day based on that. In our experience these forecasts are almost useless. Information about the weather is only useful 2 days before the day you are looking at walking on.
Q18 - 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 though this more so in winter than summer. 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 walkers may want to look at other weather aspects from an enjoyment point of view such as temperature, overcast, sunshine, etc.
Q19 - How cold will it be on the crossing?
Alpine forecasts will mention temperatures in forecasts but these are notoriously variable depending where you are and how exposed the location is. The best measure is to look at the air freezing level and reference it to the latitude on the track.
Clothing and Equipment
Q20 - The forecast is for warm sunny weather, why do I have to carry all that stuff you recommend?
No weather forecast is a garuntee. This area has very changeable and unpredictable weather and all walkers need to be prepared for the worst, not the best.
Q21 - 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.
Q22 - 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.
