The Tongariro Alpine Crossing should not be taken lightly and you must be properly equipped to undertake this walk. As a DOC licensed concessionaire for the crossing we are required to ensure people have all that they need to walk enjoy the national park safely. We take this responsibility seriously and so reserve the right to refuse carriage to people we feel are not properly equipped.
Children under 7 years of age are not permitted to travel with us due to unstable weather conditions through the year.
Must Have Items
Your Phone – A map – Solid walking boots or shoes – A proper raincoat / windbreaker – Layers of warm Clothing – Water – at least 1.5 litres each – Warm Hat – Sun Hat and Sunscreen (both, not one or the other) – First Aid Kit (including safety blanket) – Put it all in a decent, comfortable back pack
Good To Have Items
Water proof pants (weather changes quickly) – A torch – Gloves – Energy Food
Footwear – boots or shoes should be very solid with a firm sole and good tread. This track is very rocky. People often want to walk in running shoes. Some are fine as they are heavier and provide the necessary support and protection but many are too light and are meant more for the yoga studio than the mountains. Also note that your expensive shoes will likely get very torn up on the rough terrain by sharp volcanic rock. Don’t wear jandals, open toed sandals or gumboots.
Clothing – lots of layers. You will likely be very warm from walking 19km but imagine you injure yourself and are no longer walking but sitting waiting for help. Plan your clothing around this new situation and you will be fine. Don’t wear jeans, they make you hot in summer, don’t keep you warm in winter and stay wet if it rains.
Hats – a warm hat takes up very little space and is vital in maintaining body heat. The crossing has almost no trees so you will be in the sun all day. Bring a hat to protect your head, neck and face. Sun screen alone is not enough
First Aid – The usual plasters, ointments, etc but also a safety blanket. Essentially a large foil bag, this is cheap, easy to carry, very small and will likely save someone’s life when things don’t go as planned
Torch – Small, easy to carry. Vital if you unexpectedly find yourself finishing the crossing in the dark. A phone-as-torch will not usually have enough battery life
Equipment rental
The following in National Park Village can rent boots, wet weather gear, back packs and walking poles at
