TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

WELCOME EVERYONE
Join us for New Zealand's most famous walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. If there is no snow on the ground we will be able to walk this with regular hiking shoes. If there's too much snow we'll need to buy or hire winter boots, crampons and ice axe. Let's check conditions closer to the time.

FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER
Drive to Whakapapa Holiday Park.

SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER
5:30am Begin drive to Mangatepopo Carpark.
6:00am Arrive at Mangatepopo Carpark. There is no parking time limit at this time of year.
Walk to the Blue Lake.
Walk back to Mangatepopo Carpark.
Drive to Auckland.
If Saturday's not suitable, and if Sunday is suitable, let's consider going Sunday instead.

GEAR
Headlight.
Backpack.
Pack liner to waterproof gear.
Food and water.
Warm-when-wet breathable layers (e.g. merino shirt, merino jumper, puffy synthetic-filled jacket).
Rain jacket.
Hiking shoes or boots.
Emergency blanket/bag/shelter.

GEAR IF SNOW
Winter boots with stiff soles (which can hold crampons).
Crampons (test that the crampons fit the boots, bring proper crampons, not microspikes).
Ice axe (when holding axe while standing, ice axe should reach your ankle).
This gear can be hired from Living Simply in Newmarket.
Crampons and ice axe can be hired from Bivouac.

WHAKAPAPA HOLIDAY PARK
Has shared bathroom with hot showers, shared kitchen, stoves and microwaves, running hot water, some pots, bowls, plates, cutlery.
Book your own accommodation at whakapapa.net.nz
They have backpacker beds, tent sites, or you may like to get together to book a 4, 5 or 6 bed cabin. Let us know if you prefer a cabin.
There is a fee if you need to reshedule. They only allow resheduling once.
I like to book a tent site at the last minute as they're usually available.

GETTING THERE
Use the comments section below to offer a lift or ask for a lift.
If 1 passenger suggest give driver $75.
2 passengers $65 each.
3 passengers $55 each.

BEST PRACTICE
Your safety is your responsibility.
Tell someone your plans.
We will stay together.