Be Prepared... It’s important to be well prepared for your hike, no matter the season or weather.
• Dress in layers so that you can take them off and put them on as needed. It can get very hot as well as very cold, so plan for ‘four seasons in one day’.
• Take plenty of water. More than you think you’ll need and a minimum of 2 litres per person.
• Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen and take extra with you.
• Food and water must be organised prior to departure as there is nowhere along the track to purchase these items.
• Gear for hire is no longer available from our Tongariro shuttle service
Gear List
When do you operate shuttle services for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
We operate shuttle services for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from approximately October, when the track is clear of snow, through to May or June when snow and ice make the track unsafe for freedom hiking. Our season depends on the weather, but we close during the winter months.
What should I expect in terms of weather on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
Weather on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can vary greatly. January to March tends to offer the most stable conditions, though it can be hot and the track will be busier. In October and November, you can experience cooler temperatures, fewer hikers, and the chance to see both winter and summer scenery in one hike.
What weather conditions do you cancel the Tongariro shuttles for?
We monitor the Tongariro Alpine Crossing weather conditions daily using MetService and focus on factors such as wind, rain, and temperature. Safety is our top priority, so if weather conditions create risks—like high winds, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures—we will cancel the shuttle.
You'll be notified the day before your trip if we need to cancel, and you'll have the option to transfer your booking to another day or receive a refund. As a freedom hiking company, winter conditions with snow and ice are unsafe without a guide, so we don't operate during that period.
What is the best way to do the Tongariro Northern Circuit?
This is a two to three day hike that can start and finish at either Mangatepopo or Whakapapa village. If you have a car you are best to park at Whakapapa and start and finish the track there.
If you require transport from Taupo we suggest the following:
What are the risks when doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
We release an updated weather forecast and our advice every day before your trip. This can be found here. If we cancel, it's for a good reason—we don’t send anyone up unless we’d be comfortable going ourselves. Weather can change unexpectedly, so always be prepared for all conditions. Dress in layers, so you can easily adjust as the temperature shifts.
This isn’t a walk in the park—it’s an alpine hike across a mountain. Preparation is key. The better prepared you are, the better your experience will be. Stick to the marked track and respect the natural and cultural significance of the area. To ensure sustainability, we ask every hiker to do their part in keeping this taonga (treasure) safe and clean.
Check out our volcanic alert level page under the ‘Plan Ahead’ menu. If the alert level rises, we won’t proceed. Simple. However, volcanoes can be unpredictable. In the event of an eruption, avoid valleys and head for higher ground. We’ll be aware of any volcanic activity and will have an evacuation plan in place. If safe, head to the nearest track exit—either return to Mangatepopo or head to Ketetahi. Buses will be available to take you to safety, and all transport operators work together to ensure a quick evacuation.
Good footwear and hiking poles can help prevent slips and trips. Ideally, you should wear well-broken-in tramping boots. However, sturdy running shoes can work during summer. Please avoid shoes with thin, smooth soles—and definitely no jandals! Take the Tongariro Alpine Crossing seriously.
This can sneak up on you. You’ll be getting a real workout, so carry at least 2 litres of water per person, or more if possible. Keep something refreshing for when you finish, something that makes you go, "Ahhh!"
You’ll be exposed to the elements all day, so wear a hat and be prepared to strip down to cool off. Don’t just dress for the cold—have shorts and a t-shirt underneath your layers. You won’t regret it. Remember to apply and reapply sunscreen, especially to your face, shoulders, neck, and chest. Both the sun and wind can cause burns if you’re not careful.
On the flip side, you need to prepare for cold weather too. Bring a woolly hat, gloves, and a buff. These small items don’t take up much room but can make a huge difference if the temperature drops or you have to wait for help after a fall. Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. Don’t assume, "She’ll be right."
When you’re tired, you’re more likely to slip or trip. Stay hydrated, take deep breaths, and look around to enjoy the amazing scenery. Take a moment to congratulate yourself—you’re in a pretty special place!
When you stop for lunch, keep it brief. Long breaks can cause your body to cool down too much and stiffen up. It’s better to take several shorter breaks than one long one. Bring a mini first-aid kit, including blister protection, plasters, and pain relief.
How challenging is the Tongariro Crossing?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes most people between 6-8 hours to complete. Between Mangatepopo and the Red Crater you climb 800m in altitude. This requires reasonable fitness. If you train for this hike, or you are an experienced hiker this will be a breeze. For a person of average fitness this will prove to be a challenge but you will be able to do it. Lots of water, mini stops, look at the scenery, give yourself a pep talk, one foot in front of the other and you will get there. You know your body better than I do. If you are worried, you could try an easier hike before attempting the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Mt Tauhara in Taupo is a great practise mountain.
If you are a slow hiker and worried about making it back to the bus in time, we highly recommend the Ketetahi Park N Ride. This is where you park your car at the end of the track at Ketetahi in the morning. Tongariro Expeditions pick you up from there and take you to the start of the track at Mangatepopo. That way you are hiking your way back to your car. No need to rush for a shuttle in the afternoon. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in your own time back to where your car is patiently waiting for you.
How does the parking at Ketetahi Park N Ride work?
This can be a confusing concept for some people. Our one way shuttle. How does it work?
Basically, to catch our Tongariro shuttle you park at the end of the track (Ketetahi end on SH46). Tongariro Expeditions pick you up from there in the morning and take you to the start of the track (Mangatepopo car park). You are given a map and information sheet and off you go. Hiking completely free of thinking about a bus in the afternoon. You are hiking back to where you parked your car. No need for a shuttle in the afternoon. Great option. Very popular.
The next confusing thing is where to park. DOC have put in place 4 hour time restriction for the Ketetahi car park for peak season between October to April. This means you have to park outside of the car park. It adds a 10-15 minute walk at the end of the day back to your car. It is a flat straight gravel road that you need to walk alongside to get back to SH46 where you would have parked your car.
Parking in peak season on SH46 has actually been happening for years. Well before DOC put in the time restriction. This is because Ketetahi car park is only small and could only take around 50 cars. However, people used to park all over the place and cause congestion issues. There is plenty of parking along the side on SH46. Space for 200 plus cars. The berms are wide and safe to park on for the day.
What is the best time of year to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
The best time to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is between October and July. Our busiest and most stable weather months are January, February, and March, though the track will be busier, and hiking conditions can be hot. October and November are also fantastic for cooler weather and fewer hikers.
These early-season months can offer the unique experience of seeing both summer and winter landscapes, as snow may still be visible on the peaks. Keep in mind that once snow starts covering the track again, usually in June or July, we stop operating until conditions are safe.
How busy is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during the summer?
The busiest months are January, February, and March, as these months typically have the most stable weather. If you'd prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in October or November when there are fewer hikers and cooler conditions.
Can I change my booking if the weather forecast looks bad?
Yes, your booking is fully transferable if you need to adjust it due to weather conditions. Just contact our office as soon as possible to check availability and move your booking.
Is it safe to take a baby to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
There is no short answer to this. Ideally, do not take a baby on this track as it is slippery and steep in areas and you are exposed to the elements all day. However, if you are experienced, hike regularly and have a purpose built hiking pack to carry your baby then, yes it is possible to take a baby. Please be mindful of the weather conditions. We give a full refund to anyone booking with a baby if they choose to cancel due to the weather.
Also, once your child is too big to carry the whole way we again suggest not taking them until they are around 10 years old. This is so they can hike the whole track without needing to be carried. We take each situation on a case by case basis and prefer to talk to you about your experience and confidence in your child before accepting the booking.
