However, every season brings dramatically different Tongariro Crossing weather. This option includes gear and transport. This number has more than doubled in just the last five years to over 130,000 walkers last season. Wind. July – Track safety For these different seasons, there are different types of tours and transport options we have to help you make your crossing a safe experience. What’s Up With The Tongariro Crossing Seasons. Tongariro Crossing need to know: – The Tongariro Crossing is a one way hike. We also pick up from Base Camp, and a car park in from of the Tongariro Holiday Park. The length of Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4 km, and it takes anywhere from 5 to 8 hours so be prepared for a full challenging day out. My wife and I did the Tongariro Crossing on February 8, 2019. Also, if you book a transport only option but we are only offering fully guided due to snow levels you can either upgrade or cancel for a full refund. Guiding options have limited spots available. The northern approaches to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with, to the left, Te Maari crater steaming, Mt Tongariro in the centre and Mt Ngauruhoe on the far right 'Winter' is usually August and September. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4km of pure rugged New Zealand beauty. The track is well mark and you do not require a guide. The snow comes… the snow melts away…. Overview: Transport only options are available from most accommodation providers in Taupo and Turangi. December to February – This is the summer season in New Zealand and a time when you’re almost guaranteed no snow on the Tongariro Crossing. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is iconic, walked by as many as 100,000 people each year. Tongariro Expeditions recommend hikers to be prepared with sunglasses, a hat/beanie, sunblock with an SPF rating of at least 50+ and plenty of water to counter symptoms of dehydration. With snow and ice covering the track, walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter requires special skills and preparation. Before you start your Tongariro Northern Circuit walk: You need to book huts and/or campsites on the track if you’re walking in the peak season between October and April (bookings are not required if you’re walking in the off-peak season). Side trips. Once you figure out your dates look into what the conditions will be like and dress accordingly. Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Winter I n the winter months, from May to October, snow and ice covers much of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. If they change to unsafe they will turn you around. We have hire gear on the bus if you need it and we give you a map and information sheet. Hiking the Tongariro Crossing. Fully guided is when you have a trained guide per 8-10 hikers. Guiding can be organised on request. If you are trying the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for the first time, it’s best to go in the summer. If they remain safe they let you pass. In winter, we offer either 'Fully guided' or 'Track Safety'. Website by Tomahawk, How the Tongariro National Park earned its UNESCO Dual World Heritage status, Hiking checklist: What to take on the Tongariro Crossing. For this coming Summer Season of 2020/2021 . 'Midseason' is when it changes between the two. DISTANCE AND ELEVATION GAIN AT TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is growing in popularity every year. Conditions in Tongariro National Park change dramatically with the seasons, resulting in a wide variety of habitats. It’s more of a moving target, depending on the weather and we move with it, offering options based on the actual conditions of the track. We give you a map and information sheet. It's not necessarily for everyone. 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