On the Cheap: New Zealand - Day Trip to the Tongariro Crossing
On the Cheap: New Zealand - Day Trip to the Tongariro Crossing
Time from Auckland CBD: 4 hours non stop
Cost: Free
The Tongariro Crossing is the best day walk in New Zealand, and you will see a large variety of scenery. Keep in mind, this is alpine country, and the weather is very unpredictable. Some days you can get sunburnt, and will only need a t shirt and shorts, other days you will need to be wearing three thermal layers and a jacket. Make sure you check the weather before you go so that you are well prepared.
Length of track: 19.4km
Time to walk: 5 - 8 hours
Track conditions: Alpine
What to take:
At least 3L water
Plently of food
Strong shoes
First aid kit
Gloves
Sun hat
Warm hat
Water and wind proof jacket and over trousers
Three warm top layers (no cotton)
Two water bottom layers (no cotton)
How to get there:
Start of the track: Mangatepopo Road
End of the track: Ketetahi Road
There are a few transportation options -
1) Take two cars and leave one at either end of the track
2) Book a shuttle to get between the end the track and the car park at the start of the track
3) Hitch hike back to your car. This is a well walked track, so it should be easy enough to make a friend on the way and get a ride back to your car
Side tracks:
Mt Ngauruhoe
Height: 2287m
Time: 3 hours return
There is no marked track up Mt Ngauruhoe, and it is scree rock up the entire way. I would highly recommend that you wear gloves and long socks for climb to avoid cutting up your hands, and getting rocks in your shoes!
Mt Ngauruhoe
Mt Tongariro
Height: 1967m
Time: 1 hour return
This is an obvious track to the summit of the Mt Tongariro, and a nice place to have lunch if it is not too windy.
Central Crater
On the way home:
Bulli Point Cliff Jump
As you come out of Moutere Bay, stop on the sharp corner and park up. Find your way to Bulli point and jump!
Bulli Point Cliff Jump
Enjoy :)
