WALK - Tongariro Alpine Crossing Walking Tour - Pickup Taupo

Grade : Intermediate – Advanced
A moderate to good level of fitness is required.
Length : 19.4km one way
Time : 7-8 hours in Summer, 8-9 hours in Winter
Elevation : 1886m at Red Crater 

To enable our clients to have a personalized experience we provide small touring groups up to 10 people.

New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site. The Tongariro National Park is rich in both cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery. Unique landforms, including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu ensure the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered a world-renowned trek.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is heralded as the best one-day hike available in New Zealand, while others say it ranks among the top ten single-day walks in the world. Many who complete the 19.4-kilometre journey will tell you the climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable, though worth it in every aspect.

This challenging track starts at Mangatepopo Car Park where you will begin your climb through the Mangatepopo Valley to the saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. You will cross the South Crater before ascending again to the Red Crater, the highest point on the crossing at 1886 m.

We can stop for lunch after the Red Crater before descending a fairly steep volcanic rock scree track to the vivid Emerald Lakes and Blue Lakes below. It is mainly downhill from then on as the track slides around the northern slope of Tongariro, descends in a zigzag track down pass what was once Ketetahi Hut to the road end. 

Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Summer (1 October – 30 April)

For postcard picture shots of amazing landscapes and lakes, out of the world colours and fine sunny weather, then summer is the time for you to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Summer is also the most popular time because of the nicer and stable weather and easier hike but this also means that the track can get very busy and crowded.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Winter (1 May – 30 September)

For those wanting to experiene a magical winter wonderland without the crowds, then winter is a great time to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The beginning of the winter season from May to June are usually too soon for snow but the days are shorter and the weather colder. We do get the occasional blue skies and it is magic at this time of the year.  

When snow starts to fall during the later winter months, you will get to walk through magnificient snow-covered landscape with hardly anyone around. Our guides will supply you with crampons and ice axes for your alpine climb up to the Red Crater. Our guides will assist you with your alpine equipment and no alpine experience is required. 

The alpine weather and conditions on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be very unpredictable and may change to extreme very quickly. Cold temperatures, strong winds, heavy rainfall, poor visibility and even snow can fall at anytime of the year.That is why it is recommended that visitors go with a guide so that they are well equipped and prepared for the alpine conditions. Our priority is to keep you safe while having an enjoyable experience.  

No alpine experience is required but we do require you to have a moderate to good fitness level as walking time is around 7-9 hours, climbing high up to an elevation of 1886m. Children may come along but they would need to have good fitness levels and sufficient hiking experience. Please enquire with us to see if you and your children are suitable.

Tours includes:

• Professional guide 
• The geography, flora & fauna, history & cultural values of the area
• Snacks / lunch and refreshments 
• Crampons and ice-axes during winter
• DOC (Department of Conservation) fee
• Transport transfers to and from tracks (from Taupo approximately 1 hour 30 minutes each way)
• Gear hire is available at an additional charge

Starting Location & Times:

• TKA Base – Unit 2, 876 Acacia Bay Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo or Accommodation in Taupo CBD

Summer Pick-up 6.15am / Return 6.30pm  

Winter Pick-up 5.20am / Return 6.30pm  

• Turangi I-Site or Accommodation in Turangi CBD

Summer Pick-up 7.15am / Return 5.45pm  

Winter Pick-up 5.20am / Return 5.45pm  

Note: The times listed may vary slightly, depending on pick-up locations. 

Other transport locations:

• We can arrange return transport between the Taupo and Turangi locations  (ie Motuoapa).  
• If you wish to be picked up from Turangi, we can transfer your drop-off location back to Taupo  CBD.

Please contact us to discuss this further before booking your tour.  An additional charge may apply.

Prices (including Transport transfers):

Taupo

• NZD $475 per person for 1-3 people (need a minimum of 2 people to run tour)
• NZD $400 per person for 4 OR more people

Please book pick up from Turangi HERE : 

• NZD $375 per person for 1-3 people (need a minimum of 2 people to run tour)
• NZD $350 per person for 4 or more people

Required Gear & Gear Hire

It is essential for you to be aware of and have the appropriate clothing and footwear required for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing tour, which must be compatible with our recommended gear list.  This is for your enjoyment of the tour and health and safety purposes.

Gear Hire 

Taupo Kayaking Adventures has personal equipment, footwear and clothing available for hire to supplement which you do nothave and need. 
Charges :
Boots $20 per pair
Small backpack $10
Clothing $10 per item

Day Prior to Tour day.    

You will meet the team at our base where we will go over the day's trip conditions, assess, provide the required equipment and additional clothing and boots if needed. 

If you are staying at another location other than Taupo or you do not have transport  to our base for gear check – please ensure we are aware of your additional gear requirement 2 days prior to tour commencement.

Please call us at 027 480 1231 or email us at info@tka.co.nz to arrange time.