Tongariro/Taupo track report

Spring 2009, updated 13 November 2009

• "Mountains can not be made safe for people. People must make themselves safe for the mountains."
• You are responsible for your own safety. Check the weather report before starting your hike / climb!
• Campfires, dogs, horses, or mountain biking on trails, are not permitted in Tongariro National Park.

General mountain & trail conditions

• The mountains are in spring conditions, with snow cover to about 2000m on Ruapehu & Ngauruhoe, snow patches to lower levels, & ice possible at higher altitudes.
• Some tracks may be affected by stormy weather, including snow / ice, fallen vegetation or fallen marker poles in exposed areas. 
• Rivers & streams may be higher / faster flowing due to snow melt.
• Weather & trail conditions change quickly! Check both with the Whakapapa Visitor Centre before you leave.
• There is always the possibility of snowfall, heavy rain, strong wind, and poor visibility.  In these conditions it’s not safe to be out in the mountains.

Clothing & equipment requirements

To safely enjoy your hike, suitable clothing and equipment is essential - you are in a changeable alpine environment.  High altitude hikes are not recommended in bad weather conditions.

Required clothing:

• Rain & wind resistant jacket, thermal base layers, sturdy hiking boots, waterproof overtrousers, warm hat and gloves.  
• Cotton is not suitable (T-shirts, sweaters, jeans) – it will NOT keep you warm!
• Also take plenty of drinking water & high-energy food, sunscreen, and your camera!

Huts – tickets & facilities

• All huts in the Park are on a first come basis, there are no reservations.
• All huts have drinking water, mattresses, & heating.  Bring your own food, pots, utensils, sleeping bag, and toilet paper.
• Maximum group size is 12 people.

Great Walk (Tongariro Northern Circuit) hut tickets are $25 per night for adults 18+, youth are free.  Buy your tickets before you leave at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre or local outlets.  Facilities include gas heaters & cookers, and resident wardens

Backcountry huts (Round the Mountain) are $15 per night for adults 18+, $5 for youth 11-17.  Buy tickets at any DOC centre, or use an Annual Hut Pass.  Bring your own cooker.  Facilities include firewood for woodburners.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

There may be a few small snow patches on the top section of the track.   If weather conditions change, ice may develop again. Sturdy boots & winter clothing are essential

The Crossing is a rugged trail across exposed alpine terrain, climbs active volcanoes to 1886m (6188ft), and is 19.4km long. It is a physically demanding hike, you need reasonable fitness.

The Crossing is one of the most spectacular & popular one-day hikes in New Zealand.  Although it is relatively accessible, conditions can be unsafe. Your safety is dependent on your preparedness. Be safe and have a great day out!

Ketetahi Thermal Area

The Ketetahi Thermal Area & springs are tapu (sacred), and are on private land.  The Ketetahi Trust has agreed to allow use of the track over their land, as sign-posted.  There is no right of access to the actual Ketetahi Springs.

Tama Lakes, Whakapapaiti Valley, Whakapapa Walks

These are 2 hour or 5-6 hour return walks from Whakapapa Village.

Tracks may have storm damage & the Whakapapaiti River may be higher after rain & unsafe to cross.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Same conditions apply as to the Crossing detailed above. The Circuit is a 3-4 day hike around active volcanoes & exposed alpine terrain. Get hut tickets at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre.

Round the Mountain (Ruapehu)

Round the Mountain is a 4-6 day hike around an active volcano & exposed alpine terrain. There are river & stream crossings involved - water levels rise very quickly after rain, it’s not safe to cross rivers in flood. You need to be experienced in backcountry tramping & self-sufficient. 

Whangaehu valley is a lahar path – be aware of this volcanic hazard.  Get your Backcountry hut tickets at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre.

Ruapehu & Ngauruhoe mountain peaks

Ruapehu & Ngauruhoe are now in spring conditions. Ngauruhoe has just snow patches but the peak may still be snow covered.  Ruapehu has spring snow conditions with ice always possible particularly after strong winds.  Crampons & ice-axes are essential for backcountry travel & mountaineering. Crevasses & waterfall holes are more likely at this time of year as the snowpack melts.

• Both mountains are active volcanoes!  Check the volcanic alert status and watch for signs of eruptions.
• There are no marked routes to the mountains peaks or craters.
• It’s not safe to climb in poor visibility or high winds.
• Be aware that toxic gases may build up in the crater on still days.  
• Volcanic monitoring systems by GNS Science are operating normally – see www.geonet.org.nz  for information

42 Traverse Mountain Biking Route

Motorized vehicle access opens on December 1st.
The 42 Traverse is an old logging route through Tongariro Forest, with challenging mountain biking terrain and superb views.  There are several stream crossings – after rain, water levels rise quickly and the track surface can get very muddy & slippery.

Tongariro & Erua Forests

4WD access roads can be damaged after heavy rain.  Be aware of forestry contractors / logging trucks operating on John McDonald & Kapoors Roads, & White Horse Road may be closed when contractors are working.

Kaimanawa Forest Park Tracks

Tracks may have fallen vegetation / slip damage after stormy weather. Take care with river crossings - water levels rise very quickly after rain. Check with the Turangi DOC office for details. Huts are backcountry category.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is correct at the time of writing.

Weather

The Tongariro National Park weather forecast is available from the NZ Meteorological Service: call 0900 99915 or visit www.metservice.co.nz.

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