Plan and prepare
Important safety information:
Check current track conditions and the weather forecast before you go! You can do both at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Transport and parking
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way track - it begins and ends at different points, so return transport must be arranged before you begin your hike. You can arrange this with local transport operators, your accommodation provider or visitor information centres. Shuttle buses drive you to the beginning of the track at Mangatepopo in the morning, and pick you up at the end of the track at Ketetahi in the afternoon. One-way buses are also available. View a list of approved providers.
Parking areas are available at both ends of the track - Mangatepopo and Ketetahi. At peak times such as holiday weekends in good weather, they can be very busy - taking a shuttle bus service is recommended. When leaving your vehicle at a parking area, take valuable items with you and lock your vehicle.
Water
There is no drinking water available on the track - you must bring water with you. Water supply at Mangatepopo and Ketetahi huts is from rainwater and is for overnight users only.
We recommend you treat all water in the Park. Water from the upper Mangatepopo stream, Emerald Lakes, Blue Lake and Ketetahi Springs is not suitable for drinking due to high mineral content andor the risk of giardia.
Be prepared
It is important to have the appropriate clothing, equipment and fitness level. Please refer to the essential gear list below, and remember to check current track and weather conditions before you go.
Expect conditions like this in winter!
In winter conditions, mountaineering experience and equipment (crampons and ice axe) is essential. Always check the avalanche advisory before setting out. Guided trips are available in winter months.
Gear list:
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
- Warm woollen or polypropylene clothing
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sturdy hiking boots (running shoes and sandals are NOT considered suitable)
- Water and high energy food
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses
During winter and snow conditions:
- Ice axe and crampons (and experience using them)
- Snow gaiters
Consider also:
- A compass and map or GPS
- Avalanche probe, snow shovel and transceiver (winter)
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required