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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.
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.
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.
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
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?
Tue 07 Jun, 2016 3:41 pm
DOC"s website omits that
http://www.tongariroexpeditions.com/ also guide in 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.
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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