Guide To The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
33137 01/19/2016 Trekking 328 /The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a part of New Zealand’s oldest national park and is a duel heritage site, it is often referred to as one of the best day hikes in the world. At roughly 20 kilometers the trek will have you climbing steep volcanic mountains and exposed ridgelines, whilst enjoying some of the most spectacular, awe-inspiring scenery New Zealand had to offer.
This trek isn’t for the faint of heart, the trek winds over three volcanic peaks (Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu) and takes between 5 and 8 hours to complete. However, the sites you will see and the rewarding feeling of finishing this trek will make it well worth the effort. Below is everything you’ll need to know if you’re thinking about embarking on this fantastic one of a kind trek.
The Sites.
As you walk through the Mangatepopo Valley to Soda Springs you’ll be able to spot the different lava flows from the Ngauruhoe volcano. While hiking toward South Crater, you’ll climb the Devil’s staircase, and on a good day be able to see across the valley’s and farmland all the way to Mount Taranaki on New Zealand’s west coast. Just over the half way mark you’ll find the Emerald Lake, named because of its greenstone colour, just remember that the minerals that make it such a beautiful colour also make it acidic and cold, so it’s not suitable for drinking or swimming. As you near the end of the hike you’ll be treated to superb views of Lakes Taupo and Rotoaira, as well as the welcoming canopy of the popocarp-hardwood forest.
Hiking the Trail
The trail takes between 5 and 8 hours to complete and the best time to hike the track is between December and March, when the track is usually clear of snow. This track is an alpine environment and the weather can change quickly, so pack extra equipment and if you don’t have experience with this kind of hiking, take someone who does; there are plently of guides and tours that can help with this. It’s recommended that you use supportive hiking boots and wear comfortable hiking clothes, have a spare set of dry clothes and a good rain proof jacket. Also make sure your pack includes high energy food, drinking water, sun-protection and is comfortable to carry all day long.
For more information on preparing for this epic hike, the Department of Conservation have a comprehensive list and plenty of tips. The Department of Conservation also have an app you can download, that gives you photos, videos, maps, and safety messages, as well as all the information you could need about the Tongariro Crossing.
Let the team at Parklands Motor Lodge help you, complete this once in a life time trek. We can help you arrange transport to and from the hiking trail, as well as help you find the perfect guides, rest stops and even help you get that high energy food that will keep you going. Our rooms are also the perfect place to get that well needed rest before and after completing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Give us a call today, and start planning one of the most amazing trips of your lifetime.
For More Click : http://www.parklandsmotorlodge.co.nz/
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