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Tongariro Crossing - winter

Thu 02 Jun, 2016 2:52 pm

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.

Re: Tongariro Crossing - winter

Thu 02 Jun, 2016 3:41 pm

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

Re: Tongariro Crossing - winter

Thu 02 Jun, 2016 6:18 pm

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.

Re: Tongariro Crossing - winter

Fri 03 Jun, 2016 6:30 am

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

Re: Tongariro Crossing - winter

Fri 03 Jun, 2016 9:42 am

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

Re: Tongariro Crossing - winter

Fri 03 Jun, 2016 9:48 am

anyone approved by DOC as a guided walking company.

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

Re: Tongariro Crossing - winter

Tue 07 Jun, 2016 3:37 pm

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

Re: Tongariro Crossing - winter

Tue 07 Jun, 2016 3:41 pm

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

Re: Tongariro Crossing - winter

Tue 05 Jul, 2016 9:24 am

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.

Re: Tongariro Crossing - winter

Tue 05 Jul, 2016 9:30 am

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