In recent years there have been incidents where people have seriously underestimated the challenge of the North Island Tongariro Alpine Crossing and as a result, have got themselves into serious trouble.
It's in such a remote location that it's difficult to police, so people are trusted to take the climb seriously. Of course, not all do so.
I've walked the trail twice, once in summer and once in winter. On both occasions I've seen young people in particular, turn up totally unprepared, looking more like they were off on a Sunday afternoon stroll. I saw one couple set off it flip-flops and unsurprisingly, they were forced to turn back after one hour on the trail; and they were not alone.
Increased awareness of the need to prepare properly has improved the situation, but not 100%, and the video we connect you with, further down this page, by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, is designed to help participants do the right thing.
A shot of Mt Ngauruhoe in winter, the mountain you walk by on your way to the summit of Mt Tongariro.
This is the video put out by the the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.
I'll share with you my personal thoughts about the video and my experiences of walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- Unless you are an experienced mountaineer, don't even think about doing the walk in winter (May to September).
- You'll need to be moderately fit and a training program of long walks before you leave home would be good preparation.
- Conditions at the top can change very quickly. For example, we found quite strong winds on the day we walked to be the biggest challenge, but when we set out it looked like it was going to be a calm day.
- So, download the 'Plan My Walk' app. You'll find it a very useful throughout New Zealand and a great guide to other walks.
- Have a back up plan, just in case the mountain is closed at short notice.
- Mostly, don't take chances. If you're not comfortable with forecast conditions, don't do it.
In my opinion the video makes the experience look more difficult than it actually is. So, how difficult is it? Well, it's a long energy sapping day and it's a very tiring day. You'll sleep well that night.
But there's nothing technical or too demanding. It's mainly a case of just putting one foot in front of the other for 8-hours and making sure you've got clothing that can cope with any sudden changes in the weather. And some good basic hiking boots.
The 'Devils Staircase" towards the top is a challenge, but the steps are well formed and you just need to take them on at a pace that works for you.
Is it worth doing? Absolutely!
