Tongariro Crossing Winter
June to September: Fully Guided & Shuttle Only
Walking Time: 8 hrs
Suitable for moderately fit people
Depart Riverstone to Managatepopo: 7.15am
Cost: $185 Return
Includes: One guide per ten people, mountain gear and return transport
What to Expect
- 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
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…