TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING Tongariro National Park CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

7 – 8 hr, 19.4 km one way Be prepared – ensure you take: PHOTOS ¼¼ plenty of drinking water – water along LEFT: Graeme High level of fitness required Murray Change in elevation: +/- 1,196 m the track is not suitable for drinking ABOVE (L-R): ¼¼ sturdy footwear such as hiking boots Graeme Murray; Steep and undulating Jimmy Johnson Track surface is generally well ¼¼ a waterproof/windproof jacket and Jimmy Johnson formed, some sections may be steep, pants, hat and gloves, sunscreen, and Peter Langlands rough or muddy. wear warm, layered clothing OVER PAGE: Graeme Murray Restrictions ¼¼ mobile phone, torch, spare batteries No dogs, bikes or drones and toilet paper.

About this track History and culture This challenging trip begins at 1,120 m, Ngatoroirangi, the founding ancestor of The continued occupation by Ngāti climbs the Mangatepōpō valley to the Ngāti Tūwharetoa, the local iwi (Māori Tūwharetoa in this environment ensures saddle between Mount Tongariro and tribe), ascended the great mountains of the cultural, spiritual and environmental Mount Ngauruhoe, through South Crater the volcanic plateau 30 generations ago. values are protected and shared with before climbing again to Red Crater, the It was then that he named Tongariro and all those who encounter this dynamic REK ACROSS a volcanic alpine landscape highest point on the crossing at 1,886 m. the many features of the surrounding landscape. of dramatic contrasts – steaming vents, T You will then descend on a volcanic landscape, declaring this area as home glacial valleys, old lava flows, alpine vegetation rock scree track to the vivid Emerald for his descendants. Getting there and vivid crater lakes. Lakes, known as Ngā Rotopounamu The generosity and foresight of Ngāti There is limited parking near the Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO dual (greenstone-hued lakes). After passing Tūwharetoa saw the heart of the access points to the track. From World Heritage Area and in 1993 was the Blue Lake, also known as Te Wai mountainous area made sacrosanct the beginning of Labour weekend in Whakaata o Te Rangihiroa (Rangihiroa’s in 1887, with the intent that the Crown October to 30 April, parking restrictions first in the world to receive cultural World mirror), the track sidles around the would stand alongside Ngāti Tūwharetoa will be in place at road ends. Shuttle Heritage status. northern slope of Tongariro, then to ensure the continued protection of services run from Whakapapa Village, National Park, Taumarunui, Turangi, descends in a zigzag track past Ketetahi Tongariro. This led to the establishment Raetihi, Ohakune and Taupo. Plan Shelter and down to the road end at 760 m. of the Tongariro National Park in 1894, ahead and book a shuttle with your Be prepared for a long and challenging a first for New Zealand, and fourth in local i-SITE (Visitor Centre). day out. the world. Red Crater Blue Lake Heading make (1868) (Te Wai Whakaata o te Rangihiroa) it home (1725) Soda Springs outdoors? (1400) Let us help you have a safe adventure Ketetahi bushline (1040) Plan your trip Make sure you know where you’re going and have looked at a map of the track – consider taking a photo of it. Ensure you have enough time to (1120) (760) complete in the daylight. A wrong turn can create an unexpected night out.

Tell someone your plans Lake Message someone – text, social, email – where you’re going and when you’ll 47 46 Rotoaira be due back. Make yourself easier to be found if something goes wrong. Great Walk campsite To SH1

To Turangi Be aware of the weather Great Walk hut Track end New Zealand’s weather can be highly changeable. Check the forecast Shelter Ketetahi Road end – MetService.com – and expect changes throughout the day. Always prepare for wind and rain as it can, and often does, happen suddenly. Toilet Tongariro Alpine Crossing Know your limits Other tracks Challenge yourself within your group’s limits. Consider the group’s ability to deal with the changing weather and the physical nature of the hike. Stick to State Highway the marked track. Other roads Take sufficient supplies 0 1 km ¯ The supplies you need for each hike will vary, but you should always have a waterproof jacket, water, food, hat, head torch and sturdy footwear – consider hiking boots. Cell phone signal is often not available in the Ketetahi Tongariro Hot Springs outdoors. Place items like phones and maps in a plastic bag to waterproof.

NO PUBLIC National Park RIGHT OF ACCESS Te Maari craters (Last erupted MOUNTAINSAFETY.ORG.NZ

k in 2012) r a 47 1739m P

l a n W North o h i a t M ng Crater a a a n n N u Hazards g Blue Lake 1696m a i R o t i T e v (Te Wai Whakaata p er ō Mount p o Te Rangihiroa) ō Tongariro Central Alpine environment with rapidly changing weather S t Crater r 1967m e conditions at all times of the year. It is common to a Emerald Lakes m (Ngā Rotopounamu) experience strong wind, high rainfall, heavy snowfall Soda Red Springs and rapid changes in temperature, even in summer. South Crater Crater Track start Volcanic risk. This is an active volcanic area, and Mangatepōpō Road end O eruptions are possible at any time without warning. tu r Mangatepōpō e r e Know the volcanic risks and what to do in an eruption Hut S tr e (see www.doc.govt.nz/volcanicrisk). Check the latest a Mount m a m volcanic activity information before you go, at the Str e Ngauruhoe Makahikatoa 2287 m Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre and at www.geonet.org.nz/volcano.

The alpine lakes and peaks of the For more information visit your local i-SITE, Winter snow. Do not attempt this trip when snow is mountains are sacred to the local Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, or go to ! present unless you are experienced in the backcountry Māori tribe Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro. www.doc.govt.nz/dayhikes. and have an ice axe, crampons and are experienced Respectfully, they ask that peaks are Published by: Department of Conservation, Marketing Team, in avalanche terrain. Visit www.avalanche.net.nz for not climbed and waterways are not PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143 New Zealand | December 2017 updated avalanche forecasts. In winter, the use of a touched. R122689 Editing and design: Creative Services, DOC National Office guide is highly recommended.