At the moment it could not be better for tramping the Tongariro Crossing. SWMBO’s specification – She really cares about Her inmates – insists on fine sunny warm without wind, clear skies for photos of views, and not too many tourists mid-week. Comparatively, last week it was rubbish – cold, wet or snowing so inmates were sent on some of these other trail options instead. Afterwards they were very grateful…

Even if the weather is marginal it is better to take one or two or three of the alternatives – rather than get caught out when the conditions deteriorate on a 20 km exposed alpine walk in the snow and ice with no other options but a survival course to the finish. The NZ Mountain Safety Council have just released a new video (compulsory viewing – repeated below) which advises that extreme weather, terrain and distance have resulted in this track having more search and rescues than any other track in NZ. OK?

Last week the shuttle bus operators cancelled several days due to unfavourable weather conditions. This is not uncommon at higher altitudes. To provide for changeable weather issues, visitors need to have several “Plan B options” and be aware of the wide variety of other scenic tracks available at lower altitudes that remain accessible when the Tongariro Crossing conditions look too difficult. The Tongariro Crossing captures all the publicity while these alternative options are never promoted enough.

In the Tongariro National Park region a combination of smaller loop walks offer a much better substitute anyway. There are no parking or delaying or crowding hassles and they offer more flexibility and choice if the weather packs in.

PLAN B

Taranaki Falls accessed from the short street immediately behind the Chateau. This provides a two hour loop walk in the clockwise direction combines a bush walk to a spectacular waterfall and a more exposed alpine walk to return. Don’t forget to walk under the waterfall as well! There are a choice of cafes at Whakapapa to help your recovery.

PLAN C

Tawhai Falls. If you are into waterfalls then on your return, a second shorter walk nearby to Tawhai Falls is well worthwhile. (At the base of the waterfall tourists can identify the stone that Gollam sat on to eat his trout!)

PLAN D

Lake Rotopounamu On the return trip on SH47 stop off at the hidden Greenstone Lake for another two-hour loop walk in virgin native bush – very sheltered on windy days and very scenic.

PLAN E

Tongariro River Trail After about four hours of walking that might be enough? If so, head for the Tokaanu thermal pools. If not, return to TRM and walk the river loop for another hour. From the northern 40 minute loop the views stretch down the lower Tongariro River to Lake Taupo beyond. The longer two hour southern loop down to Red Hut Bridge features more variety with river views and a visit to the Trout Centre is compulsory.

PLAN F

Kaimanawas . Another big day out is the Kaimanawas where there is a choice of two tracks – Urchins Track or Umukarikari tracks. For keen fit trampers they can go up one and down the other. The views from the tops are vast.

PLAN G

Mt Tihia is another option on SH47. This is unmarked with no signage. Good views are available over Lake Rotoaira. More info is available from TRM.

PLAN H

Mt Ruapehu The biggie and the best has been saved for last…

If you are fit enough to comfortably tackle the Tongariro Crossing 20+ km then you should seriously consider climbing to the summit of Mt. Ruapehu – the highest mountain in the North Island. The distance is less and the views far better. But you need to select a really fine day with no wind. See TRM inmates in the following slide show:

If you need advice on any of the National Park trails then the best person to ask is a shuttle bus operator who is up there every day – do not rely on SWMBO! Contact Colin at Scenic Shuttles for all information on the condition of the trails, weather forecasting, advice on the Department of Conservation policies and the meaning of life – see photo below: phone: 020 4111 4648

To convince anyone with doubts, Colin also posted this video clip of the Tongariro Crossing below – the best video we have seen to warn of the dangers. It should be compulsory viewing for all novice tourist trampers:

But there are still more options… Last is a completely different activity – this end-of-term school big-day-out canoed down the Tongariro River in 12 inflatable canoes yesterday. What a great fun way to see the river.