Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
good too, even in summer. And don't even think about wearing anything other than sturdy
boots. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially on hot days.
MAPS & BROCHURES
The best map for planning a tramp in Tongariro National Park is the 1:80,000 Parkmap
273-04 (Tongariro)
,
which shows Mt Ruapehu summit and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing at
1:50,000. Tongariro is also covered by NZTopo50 BH34 (Raurimu), BH35 (Turangi), BJ34
(Ruapehu) and BJ35 (Waiouru), and by NewTopo maps
Mount Ruapehu
1:40,000;
Tongari-
ro Northern Circuit
1:60,000; and
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
1:30,000.
Department of Conservation (DOC) brochures covering the area include
Tongariro
Northern Circuit
and
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
as well as the extensive and helpful
Walks
in and around Tongariro National Park,
which features 30 walks and tramps.
HUTS, CAMPING & BOOKINGS
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a Great Walk. Between mid-October and 30 April the
three DOC huts - Mangatepopo, Oturere and Waihohonu - are designated
Great Walk huts
($32)
. Each hut has gas cookers, heating, cold running water and good old long-drop loos,
along with communal bunk rooms with mattresses. Campsites are located next to the huts;
the $15 fee allows campers use of the hut facilities.
Great Walk hut tickets must be obtained in advance, either from the Tongariro National
visitor centres nationwide. It will pay to book early during the Great Walk season.
are removed, and fees can be paid with backcountry hut passes and tickets.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The DOC information hub is
Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre
( 07-892 3729;
www.doc.govt.nz;
Whakapapa Village; 8am-5pm)
, which has interesting exhibits and displays
on the park's geological history - enough to keep you occupied for at least half a rainy day.
Turangi i-SITE (
Click here
)
is also a DOC agent, and can therefore supply information
and maps on Tongariro National Park and other reserves in the area.
GUIDED TRAMPS
fully catered, guided three-day tramps on the Tongariro Northern Circuit ($890), and one-
day Tongariro Alpine Crossing (from $330).
