The Tongariro National Park is a unique and changeable environment, subject to strong weather systems. We stick to the warmer, summer months for this trip which are November to April. In November, there can sometimes still be low levels of ice and snow at the summit of Mt. Tongariro but ice-axes and crampons are not required.
Weather Conditions
Our guides are trained to pay very careful attention to the weather conditions in the days before and during this trip in order to make your outdoor experience as safe and enjoyable as they can. Occasionally we’ll change the itinerary to select the best day to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. If it’s not wise to attempt the track on Day 2, we’ll try for Day 3 or Day 4 instead. In certain weather situations, the Department of Conservation will close the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track to all walkers for that day, included guided parties.
Volcanic Activity & Alerts
The Tongariro massif is an active volcanic environment. It is one of the most heavily-monitored outdoor environments in New Zealand and safety protocols are stringent. If a volcanic alert level status is raised for Mt. Ruapehu, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not affected due to the 16km distance separating them. Your safety is our top priority. Each evening, your guide will give you a detailed safety briefing outlined the next day’s activities and what you can expect. They can explain in more detail what these levels are and how they affect the area we walk in.
Rāhui / Cultural Closure
The local iwi, Ngati Hikairo ki Tuwharetoa, are the cultural and spiritual guardians of Mt. Tongariro. In the event of a death on the track they place a rāhui on the area for a period of 3 days and ask that visitors show respect to the family of the deceased by refraining from walking the track during this time. Walking Legends practices cultural observance of rāhui in acordance with our business values.