THE TONGARIRO CROSSING	WHY HIKE WITH US?
WINTER ON THE TONGARIRO	TIMETABLES & RATES
SUMMER ON THE TONGARIRO	TONGARIRO TRAVERSE SERVICE
TONGARIRO TRAVERSE	EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST
NORTHERN CIRCUIT	CANCELLATION POLICY
MAP	F.A.Q's

The Tongariro National Park was initially gifted to the government as a reserve by the Maori Chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV (Horonuku) on behalf of the Tuwharetoa tribe on the 23 September 1887. Originally 2,630 ha the park now covers 79,598 ha.

The Tongariro Crossing as it has become known is not a round trip and transport must be arranged at one end of the track. Arrangements can be made with Tongariro Expeditions.

The Tongariro Crossing is a challenging hike taking 7-8 hours covering a distance of 17 km one way.

Recommended hikeing distance - Mangatepopo to Ketetahi. Often described as the best one day hike in New Zealand. The Tongariro Crossing provides an opportunity to experience some of the most scenic volcanically active areas of the park.

The track runs the Mangatepopo Valley to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains. It climbs to Red Crater (1886m), then drops down to the vivid Emerald Lakes. After passing the Green and Blue lakes the track sides around the northern slope of Tongariro, then descends in a zig zag to the Ketetahi Hut.

What happens and what we do:

	We will pick you up from your place of stay (please be outside waiting for the bus 5 minutes before you departure time). During transit to the mountain (or when you get there) our staff can hire you any equipment you do you have and need to hike the track safely. We have boots, all-weather clothing, telescopic hiking poles and backpacks. Available to purchase on the bus are sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhats, bottled water and energy food
	We only operate when the weather conditions are forecast to be safe to do the track; our company policy is that we will not operate unless we are prepared to be on the track ourselves. Please note that forecasts are frequently incorrect and conditions may be different to what has been advised
	During transit to the mountain an explanation sheet about the track and other general information will be given to you, your driver will also explain it to you along the way. Feel free to ask any of our staff about the track as they are all well equipped with knowledge about the track and current conditions
Note: side tracks are accessible at this time of year, but only when the weather conditions allow, ask our on arrival at the track for details

If you are thinking of adding either of these side tracks to your hike, you need to be booked on the "EARLY BIRD SERVICE".

A relatively easy track, taking around an hour and a half return from the main Tongariro Crossing Track.

The 2500 year old near perfect cone of Mount Ngauruhoe entices many visitors to it's summit. Relatively quiet since 1975, this parasitic cone of Mt. Tongariro is traditionally one of New Zealand s most active volcanos.

This track is not for the faint hearted, a difficult climb or scramble up a sharp scree slope taking around an hour and a half up and 15 minutes down! Some of the best views to be had, but only to be challenged on a clear day. Allow 2 hours for this side track from the main Tongariro Crossing.

Our Drivers will give you summit details on your arrival at the start of the track.

During winter conditions when snow and ice cover the track, we offer a package that includes transport and all equipment i.e. boots, clothing packs, crampons and poles.*
For your safety guides will accompany you on the trip and will assess which routes to be taken to avoid the risks of avalanche and ice danger. This means that during heavy snow or ice, trips may go to the summit of the track at the Red Crater and return. Our guides will instruct you in the use of the hiking equipment. They are there to help should you need it and to take control over any difficulties that may occur. During winter if trips fail to reach the track summit a small refund will be issued.

* Hikers may chose to use their own equipment but full package rate still applies.

What happens and what we do:

Winter rate ex Taupo is $145, ex Turangi is $135 and Whakapapa and National Park is $125 and are all inclusive of transport all clothing and winter equipment etc Note: side tracks to summits of Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are not accessible at this time of year . This trip comes highly recommended and our company has been voted in the top 5 activities to do in New Zealand.

Our Policy: Our company policy is that we will only go if it is a perfect day in the winter, otherwise there is no point

This is hike is a 17km one way trip. It has been graded as moderate, expect to take 7-8 hours. The Tongariro Traverse is in most cases an even better track than the highly used Tongariro Crossing. Unlike the Crossing track there are very few people so you can experience the park how it should be and is generally sheltered from the weather.

The track passed between the bases of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu from the eastern most boundary of the Tongariro National Park to the most western boundary. Cascading waterfalls, pristine crater lakes, bubbling rivers and beech forests are to be experienced along the way. Absolutely awesome!

3-4 days, Grade: Challenging

Winding its way over Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngauruhoe is the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of the greatest hikes of New Zealand. This hike passes through unique and stunning landforms which include volcanic craters and glacial valleys.

A range of trips can be planned around Tongariro Northern Circuit. Day trips and overnight trips to one of the four huts, or a complete circuit.

The safest and most popular time of the year to hike the Tongariro Northern Circuit is during the summer months, December to March when the tracks are normally clear of snow and the weather is less severe.

Ketetahi - 1450 m
Oturere - 1360 m
Mangetepopo - 1190 m
Waihohonu - 1120 m