Alpine Crossing

Tongariro River Motel Daily Report for 9 March 2012:

Conservationists embrace technology (not just trees)

tongariro-crossing-25 Tongariro River Motel have now arranged with Project Tongariro for you all to be able to download the info package on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The Pocket Ranger contains everything you need to know about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing at your fingertips on the new smartphone application by Project Tongariro in partnership with Department of Conservation.

Android and iPhone versions available and it’s FREE to download!

www.tongariro.org.nz/pocketranger

Project Tongariro in the central North Island has launched New Zealand’s first interactive smartphone application for a National Park.

Called the Pocket Ranger, the free to download app is designed to offer an interactive and multi-media experience that provides interpretation, maps and images of the unique natural features of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing while at the same time conveys important safety messages.

tongariro-crossing-09 The Department of Conservation has partnered with Project Tongariro with the development of the app as they see it as a fantastic opportunity to enhance the visitor experience to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Tongariro National Park. It gives the stories and information about The Crossing and the park to everyone who downloads it. The broader benefits of the app and working closely with Project Tongariro are about investing the funding that the app will generate into a range of restoration projects within the park. Its a win win.

The app is available in both iPhone and Android versions.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is rated as the best one-day trek in New Zealand and listed by many in the top 10 day treks in the world – over 80,000 tourists walk it each year.

serge-on-tongariro-crossing_0 Conveying information without cluttering the landscape with signage has posed a problem, until the idea of the Pocket Ranger app was developed.

“Now people can download as much information as they want, right there on the track,” says Karen Williams, President of Project Tongariro. “It also allows visitors to research the area before they arrive and make sure they are prepared for the changeable weather conditions the region is known for”.

“We’ve been involved with producing books and brochures about the park for years, but the Pocket Ranger is a real breakthrough”.

“With ever increasing smart phone ownership, it made sense to move with the times,” adds Karen Williams.

So even Tongariro River Motel is embracing the new technology too.

tac-display-at-turangi-visitor-centre

The first and best place to discover all about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the Turangi visitor centre – see their display above.

That should be your first contact for info. and booking bus shuttles, etc. They have a huge display with maps, images, dvd, table mounted model of Tongariro National Park, etc.

Turangi Visitors’ Centre – great place, great people, great service.

Then some more housework…

1    Did you know the Turangi bakery opens at 6am every morning for anglers and those heading out on the Tongariro Crossing.  So you can buy fresh made luncheon rolls etc. before you leave.
2    Did you know the Tongariro Crossing bus will pick you up at TRM office and (if you finish?) will deliver you back here in the afternoon.  During peak times they run three shuttles but otherwise the usual time for departure is a civilised 7.30am and they will collect you from the end of the track at either 3 pm or 5 pm to provide for all ages and levels of fitness.
3    Did you know that TRM have hiking poles (old ski poles) available in their office for you to borrow if required.  They do make a difference on all the steps down from Ketetahi Hut.
4    Did you know that TRM’s office has all the maps and aerial photos and information sheets and books on other day walks around the Tongariro National Park etc.
Good.  Now for a description of the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing:
(All photos by Wayne Godkin [International tramping guide]  updated on 10 April 2008.  He insists that is not his wife, Wendy, above – standing on top of the volcanic lava!)

2010 Update: In the following reports by Lonely Planet & Margaret Jeffries Taupo Guide they mention the steep staircase.  This has now been sanitised (?) and is a gentle but longer zig-zag – see images)

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

(x Lonely Planet Guide Book)

Often called the finest one-day walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing covers many of the most spectacular features of the Tongariro Northern Circuit between the Mangatepopo and Ketetahi Huts. On clear day the views are magnificent. This is what many trampers do on Day 2 of the Northern Circuit, with the extra walk along the Ketetahi track. Because of its popularity, shuttles are available (from and back to Tongariro River Motel) to both ends of the track. The Tongariro Crossing can be reached off Mangatepopo Road off SH47. There are a couple of steep spots but most of the track is not terribly difficult. However, it is a long exhausting day’s walk. It’s billed as a 6-7 hour walk but expect to take longer if you are not in top condition. Some prefer to do it as a two day walk, especially if side trips are included. The track passes through vegetation zones ranging from alpine scrub and tussock to places at higher altitude where there is no vegetation at all, to the lush podocarp forest as you descend from Ketetahi Hut towards the end of the track Worthwhile side trips from the main track include ascents of Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. Mt, Ngauruhoe can be ascended most easily from the Mangatepopo Saddle, reached near the beginning of the track after the first steep climb. The summit of Mt. Tongariro is reached by a poled route from Red Crater (end of Lonely Planet Description)
Aerial photos and maps of the route of this one day walk are displayed in the Tongariro River Motel office.  Maps are also available but hardly needed as there is only one well sign posted track.  But please pick a fine day.  Tourists have perished on this track from being under prepared for the changing conditions.  It really is an alpine region where the weather can change rapidly and you can experience extremes of all four seasons in one day.  Walking poles (old ski sticks) are available from the TRM office.
WARNING: TRM often encourage prospective Tongariro Crossing walkers around a one hour circuit from the motel to check their fitness level is adequate for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
The updated photos indicate a few of the recent improvements to make this track easier with formed walkways and paths and steps over the more difficult terrain.
A more detailed description follows from “A visitor’s guide to Taupo and the Central Plateau” by Margaret Jeffries – we quote:
“Described as one of the best day walks in New Zealand, this 17km hike attracts hundreds of people daily during the summer months.  In winter, depending on snow and ice conditions, it can be a true mountaineering trip requiring ice axes and crampons.  The track crosses exposed alpine country where it can be extremely cold and windy even in summer, so it is essential to carry warm waterproof jackets and over trousers, hats, mittens, and food and drink.
The walk is easier if started from the end of the Mangatepopo Road and begins with a gentle walk up the Mangatepopo Valley, passing the track back to Whakapapa Village after 15 minutes and the side track to Mangatepopo Hut in another 5 minutes.  After climbing gradually for an hour or more, you will reach the head of the valley and base of the Staircase.  On the left are the Soda Springs, where the Mangatepopo Stream seeps out of the ground and trickles out of rocks in a small waterfall…
A long steep climb up the Staircase(see 2010 updated comments above) brings you out on the saddle between Tongariro and Ngaurahoe, a windy place where most walkers huddle out of the wind to wait for friends and have a bite to eat….  After crossing the South Crater, which sometimes holds a shallow pool of snow melt, the ascent continues up to and along the ridge to Red Crater, with its spectacular red, black and brown walls.  Wind strength up here will determine how long you spend admiring the awesome hole at your feet before descending down to the Emerald Lakes, another popular spot for a rest and a snack.
Just after the lakes the track to Oturere Hut turns right while the main trail to Ketetahi Hut continues across the basin of the Central Crater.  A short climb to the rim brings views of Blue Lake, which fills another old inactive vent, before the long descent down the northern flanks of the mountain begin.  After passing through a saddle the track contours around the lower flanks of the North Crater where gardens of lush alpine vegetation contrast dramatically with the stark summit area.  Ketetahi Hut can be seen below and views to Lake Rotoaira, the summits of Pihanga, Tihia and Kakaramea and further out to Lake Taupo are grand.  Below the hut the track descends to the bottom of the Ketetahi Springs then continues down to a lookout point at the edge of the bush.  A steep stepped section is followed by more meandering beside the discoloured Mangatetipua Stream before the track ends at the side road off SH46….”

To avoid having to do a car shuttle, use one of the many transport services available from Turangi.  As at 2008 Summer the cost for pick up at TRM to take you to the start at Mangatepopo Road and then collect you some 7-8 hours later at the Ketetahi end and return you to TRM is $35 per person.  The web site for the Tongariro Shuttle is on TRM’s links.

In 1990 the National Park was recognised as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural values. The volcanoes in particular are noted for the frequency of eruptions, their highly explosive nature and the high density of volcanic vents.  In 1993 Tongariro National Park became the first place in the world to be listed as a World heritage Site for the spiritual and cultural values that the landscape holds for the indigenous people.

Tongariro River Motel also recommend other easier Turangi walks

(Special note here from the Tongariro River Motel security manager, Boof – who adores being taken for walkies!)


The Famous Tongariro River Motel Compulsory Constitutional Walk.

30 minutes return. From Tongariro River Motel cross over Taupahi Road and walk down Te Aho Road towards the river. Pick up the riverside track and turn to the right to proceed up-river. This travels past famous Tongariro River fishing pools including Judges, Island Pool, Major Jones Pool and Breakfast Pool.

A feature of this walk are the sight of anglers standing up to their chests fly fishing the pools. From the elevated track adjoining the flying fox wire across the river you will often spy trout lying at the head of the pool. The usual turn around point is at the Swing bridge and return the same way. Alternatively, if you have enough energy, the track continues up the river past the Hydro Pool (watch the anglers casting their flies to spawning runs in the winter months) for 10 minutes before returning the same way.

Tongariro River Loop Track

1 hour, loop track. (This is popular as a trial run for the Tongariro Crossing – if you cannot complete this in under one hour you may not qualify for the Tongariro Crossing walk.)

From the motel cross over Taupahi Road and proceed down Te Aho Street towards the Tongariro River where the loop track leads to the right – up-river, or to the left – down-river.

Usually the track descriptions start from either the northern end at SH 1 bridge, or at southern end from Major Jones footbridge, Koura Street, Turangi This loop track can be walked in either direction. It is described here from the northern access point on the true right bank of the Tongariro River, just over the Road bridge. Note: the true left or right is the side taken when looking downstream.

Proceeding along the track to the left to cross over the road bridge on the footpath on the left side of the road-bridge and then loop to the left under the bridge if you wish to

avoid SH1 traffic. From the first lookout point, the track climbs steeply to a viewpoint

over the Tongariro River, a trout fishery of international renown. Mt Pihanga, and the eroded volcanoes of the northern range of Tongariro National Park form a backdrop to the town of Turangi.

The track wanders through bush to the Major Jones footbridge at the southernmost point of the track. Cross the bridge and continue the walk back down-river along the true left river bank. This side of the river is an easy level walk in a more urban setting. It passes through a narrow stretch of public land alongside the river.

Again, a feature of this walk are the sight of anglers standing up to their chests fly fishing the pools. From the elevated track adjoining the flying fox wire across the river you will often spy trout lying at the head of the pool.

Tongariro River Walkway

3 hours, return via same track. From Tongariro River Motel proceed across Taupahi Road towards the Tongariro River and turn right heading up-river following the riverside walk. The walkway begins at Major Jones footbridge, Koura Street, Turangi; or down-river from the Red Hut footbridge, 5km south of Turangi, off SH 1

This popular walk follows the Tongariro River south of Turangi. There are good views of the river’s calm pools and rippling rapids as you walk along the high banks above the river. The walk passes through native bush on the river edge and along the edge of private farmland. Keep an eye out for trout in the river pools.

The use of mountain bikes is permitted on this track.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) have been warning about completing the track north of the National Trout Centre (promises, promises?) so that a complete loop track may be in place by the time you read this – ask at the office.

(November 2007 Update – the Tongariro River loop track is now possible and recommended by Pip – it takes about three and a half hours from TRM – go to “Other Attractions” link for description of route.)

Tongariro National Trout Centre

5 km south of Turangi off SH 1. Open 10am – 3pm A pleasant half-hour walk passes through the Tongariro National Trout Centre facilities and hatchery beside the Tongariro River.
Display panels explain the management of the Taupo Fishery with videod casting lessons and fly fishing film of the Tongariro River, while a viewing chamber provides great underwater views of rainbow trout. Fish pellets can be bought for feeding the juvenile trout in the kids fishing pool. Trout Centre volunteers are present during open hours for guidance and answering questions.
Picnic and barbecue areas are available.

Tongariro River Motel Daily Report

Friday 26 October 2007

October 26, 2007 at 8:36 pm
· Filed under Daily Report

WINDY sums up the fishing today.  It was Turangi’s turn according to guests.  Not
much good for dry fly or for nymphing, Lake O., Lake Rotoaira, etc.  Any exposed areas like the braided area was a test.  Tourists would have been blown off the Tongariro Crossing today.  Often on days like this TRM have to find some other option to interest tourists ( &
fishos) when fishing is difficult.  We call it Turangi’s “BDO”.  It is a local gem.

Turangi’s BDO.

It is time we revealed one of our worst kept secrets – about Turangi’s BDO (“Big Day Out”).  I wonder if it will ever compete with Auckland’s BDO?   I suspect TRM are probably the only tourist operators who are mad enough and brave enough to promote it.  (To keep your interest,
this should specially appeal to fishing widows, or fishermen’s families, but is aimed more directly at overseas visitors.)  Auckland has their BDO for teenyboppers so why not Turangi?

Except this is more the outdoorsy, at one with nature, trout fishing, bush tramping, river views, rural scenery, eco tourism, natural habitats, sedate adventure, watch & listen to native birds, mixing native bush with pine plantations with wilderness views with
farms with river walk sort of BDO that appeals to the more mature market.

This is a fabulous under rated eco-trip with the focal point – the Tongariro River, emerging from a World Heritage Area, deserving a better more appropriate style of BDO than Auckland’s version of just listening to very loud noise.  (I hope my daughter does not read this)  This takes the form of an interesting long, mainly level, jaunt combining rural
and bush walking on mostly good formed drained tracks that will take about the same time with less strain than enduring Auckland’s BDO.  The starting place is, surprise, surprise, TRM.  You will need a day pack loaded with picnic lunch, polaroid sun glasses, drink bottles, wear comfortable tramping shoes – trainers are fine – and need to be fit
enough for a leisurely 4 hour walk.  About the same fitness level and time necessary for covering all the “shop ’til you drop” places in St. Lukes or Queensgate.

This special circuit route, well known to anglers but not previously promoted for the great unwashed general public, is the swing bridge to swing bridge circuit along the banks of the Tongariro River.  The reason we mention this is to pass on the unbridled enthusiasm from many of our guests who have completed this circuit in the last year.  About 45% of all our guests come from overseas.  While many come just for the world class fly fishing, anglers will not be surprised that there are other alternative outdoor pursuits which bring tourists to New Zealand.

One of the biggest international tourist magnets in NZ is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – a 7+ hour 17km trek over the saddle between Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngaurahoe.  Every tourist from overseas arrives here with their Lonely Planet guide which clims this is the best one
day walk in NZ.  It attracts over 60,000 exhausted tourists annually.  Unbelievable, considering it is so often closed due to ice or wind or cold or wet or winter snow storms.  So our Turangi BDO is a very worthy year round easier alternative.  Many who have completed both have preferred it.  Many have confirmed it was their best one day walk during their visit to NZ.  So it is time TRM shared it with you too.

Previously it was impossible to complete the walking tracks circuit from the Koura Street swing bridge up river (either side) to the Red Hut swing bridge and return back down the other side.  But informed TRM walkers who have done their homework (i.e. asked Pip), bird watchers and casual trampers – known in-house as BDOuters – have been doing it for the last year.  Ever since DoC completed the walkway from Hydro Pool to link up with the road acess to Admirals Pool it has been available.  Previously it could not be promoted on the web as essential direction signage was missing and it included a wade though a muddy
stretch – almost needing waders.  Now all that has been fixed.  New signage is in place and the muddy stretch has been metalled for TRM trampers.  Go for it!

Add an extra day to your next visit and put it on your programme of “must do’s”.

All circuit route details are available from TRM’s office.

P.S.  TRM’s guide dog Boof, loves going for walkies too.

ediths-friend-next-to-sign_0  Lake Rotopounamu Track:

Tongariro River Motel guest’s letter

Email from Edith Hodgen

dated 7 January 2012:

Just did walk/wade around the lake after some heavy rain – thought you might be interested in the beach-free version!   

Edith

Thank you to Edith, who stayed at TRM with her relative from Scotland to take her on a special local tramp.

The images are from one of NZ’s best kept secret secluded nature tracks, a 5 km loop around a hidden secluded lake called Lake Rotopounamu.

After Edith’s “wade/walk” she mentioned how high the lake level was and kindly sent us her photos.

If you were unaware of this hike you should really put it on your bucket list for your next visit (- but unless you enjoy wading it might be wise to wait until the tide recedes?)

rotopounamu-high-water_0 Lake Rotopounamu lies at the northwest foot of Mt Pihanga, and was formed by a landslide around 10,000 years ago.  The car-park for this track is on SH47 about 8 km from Turangi. The native bird life around the lake is quite extraordinary.

Due to the geographical situation in a basin the surrounding area was never logged for native timber as they could not transport the timber out, so it is quite a treasure being in much the same natural condition as when the first immigrants arrived.

The tropical Cyclone Bola in March 1988 did a lot of damage locally felling some of the large mature native trees, many of which were hundreds of years old.

img_5258 The pine forests beyond out towards Lake Otamangakau suffered severe damage too.

The reason that Edith sent us the images was due to the high tide (?) around the lake when she visited over the Christmas period.

The extent of the flooding can be seen by her friend carrying her boots around her neck as the track was under water in places and the beaches were gone.  Edith had never seen the lake so high.

So we compared her two images at top to those two below taken when SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed is the Manager at TRM) hiked around the lake in 2011.

Notice the difference?

rotopounamu-12_0 Lake Rotopounamu has four small streams feeding it but no natural surface outlet.  It appears to just filter through the ground, to emerge as the headwaters for the Tokaanu Stream on the northern side of Mt. Pihanga, developing into a pristine water course highly valued as a trout nursery.

Equally important for local Turangians is that is where Turangi draws an endless supply of pure artesian water.  That is why the water in Turangi tastes so sweet.  (Much nicer than recycled water from the Waikato!).

Many fishy TRM inmates claim it is worth visiting here just to taste the water, although most TRM fishos prefer to add something to flavour it, whether they have Scottish ancestry or not.

rotopounamu-02_0 As this is supposed to be a Fishing Report (?) we had better add there are no trout in Lake Rotopounamu.