Tongariro Crossing Spring Autumn

September-November & April-June: Semi Guided & Return Shuttle

Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Suitable for moderately fit people
Depart Riverstone to Managatepopo: 6.30am
Includes: Safety staff to accompany, use of crampons & ice axe unlikely
Cost: Mangatepopo $130 (return Ketetahi)

What to Expect

  • This option may be offered in either winter or summer and is depandent upon weather & safety
  • The Crossing is alpine high altitude terrain with little to no shelter, so you are exposed to whatever weather conditions exist –  make sure wear or carry the right gear and learn about the track before you start
  • Snow/ice can cover parts of the track
  • You are unlikely to need cramp-ons or may not use them for long
  • In the spring & autumn conditions climbing Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe is usually not possible
Shuttle, Gear, Facilities, Track Here!

Track Conditions Explained

1 Tongariro Alpine Crossing transport and guiding has three seasons – summer season, winter season and mid season (autumn-spring) – which determine the best way to tackle the Crossing and the costs involved

2 Shuttle only option (summer conditions) applies when the track is clear from snow and ice

3 Once there is snow and ice on the track we no longer offer shuttle only options for safety reason (winter & mid season conditions)

4 Due to variable weather during the spring and autumn, from day to day any one of these three options may be more appropriate

5 Bus times are subject to change, please check times with Riverstone Backpackers

Trip Reports

Coming soon…

Explore the Tongariro...


Lake Rotoiti Harling LAKE ROTOITI & LAKE OKATAINA End of Season Early Morning Action Toward the end of the June Lake Okataina and Lake Rotoiti harling can produce very large high q...
Small Stream Afternoon Rewards Small Stream Afternoon Rewards Being First On The Water Is Not Always Important Often being first through the water is especially import if you are chasing fresh r...
Rivers Filling Up With Rainbows Rivers Filling Up With Rainbows Tongariro Spawning Runs Well Underway The Tongariro River is certainly having one of its best winter seasons for probably about 5-6...
Tongariro Crossing Summer $45 Unguided Return Tongariro Crossing Summer November to May: Unguided Shuttle Only Walking Time: 5-7 hours Suitable for moderately fit people Depart Riverstone for Mangatepopo (st...
Tongariro Crossing Winter $185 Fully Guided Return Tongariro Crossing Winter June to September: Fully Guided & Shuttle Only Walking Time: 8 hrs Suitable for moderately fit people Depart Riverstone to Managate...