At this time of the year, when looking forward in anticipation to the warmer summer months ahead, many are hoping to complete one of the “iconic” great walks of NZ – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Inevitably SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed is Manager of everything She can see at TRM) is asked about it and the following brief video clip is Her usual reply.
One essential ingredient, to include in the planning, is fine weather. Never rely on any TV forecast for Taupo – located 50 km north of Turangi, while the alpine trails on the central plateau are 50 km south. A better long term weather forecast planning aid would be to time it by the moon phases. i.e. The next full moon in November and December is on the 19th. January 2022 is 17th. Then the weather is usally more settled.
The Tongariro Crossing is more suitable for families and those looking for a long alpine tramp with wide views and all the other features expected in this Central Plateau region.
Trampers need to be aware of possible delays from crowding and parking issues at peak times so we recommend the use of a shuttle bus service. If the aim is to get away from the crowds then perhaps the Tongariro Crossing should be avoided. The track from the Chateau Tongariro to the Taranaki Falls and on to the Tama Lakes would be a better option to avoid parking issues.
Other local alternatives are the Kaimanawa Ranges. The Kaimanawa Road access off the Desert Road has two well signposted tracks – the Urchins Track to the ridge 1392m. or the Umukarikari track to 1591m. above the snow line both provide dramatic views back west towards the central plateau peaks and Lake Taupo.
But for those looking for a little more excitement and more of a real challenge, this alternative climb up higher to 2797m is recommended as a far more satisfying achievement…
The brief video was taken on Auckland Anniversary weekend in late January 2015 when everywhere else was crowded. Since then the “sky waka” gondolas have been installed to carry trampers up to the highest cafe in NZ. The gondolas replace the original old chairlifts in the video – now recycled by SWMBO in Her garden paradise… (SWMBO is backing the Moa as Her bird of the year for 2021 – most appropriate!)
This blog was prompted by readers’ questions sent to a popular local (National Park) shuttle bus operator, Colin Baker, (Ruapehu Scenic Shuttles) who considerately provides a Q&A post for those wanting information on options to access and pick-up from the Tongariro Crossing and other walks around the alpine region.
A massive demand bubble anxiously seeking 100% pure fresh air and clean natural snow-melt water in scenic wide open spaces is anticipated very soon from those poor sods up north, after being locked down by Covid restrictions for the last few months. Otherwise, we will all be “broke”!
