Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ill-equipped trampers are legendary on this route - stupid shoes, no rain jackets, blue
jeans soaked to the skin - we've seen it all. As well as proper gear, you'll need plenty of
water, as there is none available between Mangatepopo and Ketetahi.
The most crowded times on the track are the first nice days after Christmas and Easter,
when there can easily be more than 1000 people strung out between the two road ends.
The upside of this popularity is excellent shuttle connections, with plenty of operators of-
fering round-trip transport. Be sure to book your ride in advance, and keep an eye on
your progress so you don't miss your ride.
The Crossing starts at Mangatepopo Rd car park, off SH47, and finishes at Ketetahi
Rd, off SH46. It takes takes seven to eight hours to make the 19.4km journey, although
this will vary significantly if you decide to take side-trips up to the summits of Ngaur-
uhoe or Tongariro - both very worthwhile and taking around two and three hours re-
spectively. A word of warning: if you summit Ngauruhoe, keep an eagle-eye out for dis-
lodged boulders careening down the slopes. Injuries do occur.
ROUTE
ESTIMATED SUMMER WALK TIME (HR)
Mangatepopo Rd end to Mangatepopo Hut
¼
Mangatepopo Hut to South Crater
1½-2
South Crater to Mt Ngauruhoe summit (side trip)
2-3 (return)
Red Crater to Tongariro summit (side trip)
1½ (return)
South Crater to Emerald Lakes
1-1½
Emerald Lakes to
Ketetahi Shelter
1½
Ketetahi Shelter to road end
1½
Crater Lake
HIKING
The unmarked rugged route up to Ruapehu's Crater Lake (seven hours return) is a good
one, allowing you to see the acidic lake up close. This moderate-to-difficult walk begins
at Iwikau Village at the top of the Bruce Rd. You can cut three hours off it by catching
the
chairlift
(adult/child $30/17; 9am-3.30pm mid-Dec-April)
from Whakapapa Ski Area.
Crater Lake are hosted by Safety & Mountaineering Guides along with local Ngati
Hikairo cultural guides, and run from mid-December to May, weather dependent. Like
most of the walks in Tongariro, check conditions before heading out and don't attempt it
in winter unless you're a mountaineer.
