Bushwalk Australia

I'm heading to Wellington with my girlfriend from 25-29 June and thought the Tongariro Alpine Crossing looks like a decent side trip. Is going with one of the guided groups is a must, as opposed to hiking it by ourself? I've got experience hiking in snow but with snowshoes, never with crampons/ice axe.

you really want experience with an ice axe and crampons. there are guided trips that will train you up and lend you the gear.

wayno wrote:you really want experience with an ice axe and crampons. there are guided trips that will train you up and lend you the gear.

This.

Bad weather come quickly up there and the flat landscape will make navigation unpleasant.

its snow poled, if you can navigate, its reasonably straight forward in bad visibility. ice can be the real problem

Cheers, I had a feeling that would be the answer. Any recommendations for a company to go with?

anyone approved by DOC as a guided walking company.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recrea ... findplaces

For anyone who comes accross this thread, these are the three companies I found who do winter crossings
http://www.adriftnz.co.nz/
http://www.adventureoutdoors.co.nz/#/tongariro-crossing-in-winter/4569766115
http://www.tongariroguidedwalks.nz/tongariro-alpine-crossing-winter-spring.html

DOC"s website omits that http://www.tongariroexpeditions.com/ also guide in winter

I didn't end up doing the crossing as the weather wasn't in my favour, but I met someone who did the crossing a few days prior. They had no problems, no need for crampons, there was very little snow.

the amount of snow can change rapidly in the colder months, and right through spring.