• Snow/ice can cover all or parts of the track, walking & navigation often difficult
• When the mountain is covered in snow and ice we offer fully guided packages only
• 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
• Alpine equipment such as crampons and ice axes are normally required during this period and are provided by your guides
• Your guide will offer basic instruction with how to use a crampon and ice axe
• You will begin walking 8:30am and finish at approximately 4:30pm with a number of stops along the way
• As daylight hours are limited in winter we need to keep a moderate pace during the day
• It is not safe to climb Mt Tongariro or Mt Ngauruhoe in winter

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