Tongariro Crossing Summer
November to May: Unguided Shuttle Only
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Suitable for moderately fit people
Depart Riverstone for Mangatepopo (start of track): 6.15am & 7.15am
Return Ketetahi (end of track) to Riverstone: 2.30pm, 3.30pm & 4.30pm
Cost: $45 Return
Depart Ketetahi (end of track) for Managatepopo: 6.30am & 7.30am (end of track)
Cost: $30 One Way
What to Expect
- The track can be walked unguided and in the summer season and offers the opportunity of side trips to either Mt Ngauruhoe or Mt Tongariro
- Please make sure you allow enough time to complete these and if this is your intention, take the earliest bus in the morning
- The Crossing is alpine high altitude terrain with little to no shelter, so you are exposed to whatever weather conditions exist – make sure wear or carry the right gear and learn about the track before you start
- The track is normally clear of snow and the weather is less severe
- Daylight hours are much longer and daytime temperatures can get to 30s (celsius)
- The weather can be warm and sunny with light wind – but it can also be cold, wet and windy with poor visibility
Seasonal Conditions Explained
1 Tongariro Alpine Crossing transport and guiding has three seasons – summer season, winter season and mid season (autumn-spring) – which determine the best way to tackle the Crossing and the costs involved
2 Shuttle only option (summer conditions) applies when the track is clear from snow and ice
3 Once there is snow and ice on the track we no longer offer shuttle only options for safety reason (winter & mid season conditions)
4 Due to variable weather during the spring and autumn, from day to day any one of these three options may be more appropriate
5 Bus times are subject to change, please check times with Riverstone Backpackers
Trip Reports
Coming soon…