9 Essential Travel Tips for Hiking New Zealand's Tongariro Alpine Crossing Great Walk

[@elsagiarratano6927]

I am a 240 pounds woman with asthma and I just did it 3 days ago ! It was my first hike ever and I was so proud of myself it was hard but one step at a time !

[@IzannahSchaffer]

Good on ya

[@TKara-bi6in]

🙌👏👏👏

[@gordonfreeman-g5w]

On ya!

[@carolynclitheroe3588]

Yey that gives me hope I can do it then. It’s a big dream of mine. Did you have a guide or do it alone?

[@elsagiarratano6927]

Juste with a friend of mine no guide :) ​@@carolynclitheroe3588

[@andrewblaine4754]

Great video! My wife and I did this a year ago and it was amazing. Just one additional tip. We used the shuttle company in which you park at the end of the hike in the morning and take a shuttle to the start. This eliminates the anxiety about missing your shuttle back in the afternoon. We were very happy to finish and see our car!

[@samylee2803]

Hi Andrew! That's such a good tip! We're going next month, could you tell me the name of the shuttle company you used?

[@carolynclitheroe3588]

I also would like to have the recommendation!

[@jesperharder5152]

Good video Alex. I’ve done the Tongariro twice and I agree with your tips. I would also recommend people to get the earliest bus or start the walk before sunrise. Beat the crowd and get an amazing view of the rising sun 😊

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Jesper - great tip. Always good to get up and get after it!

[@ruapehushuttle4246]

This is one must watch video! I am a shuttle provider and used to be a ranger up there many decades ago and your advice is so spot on!

[@ervinslens]

Masterfully filmed and composed video my friend! Landscapes here are spectacular, nice tips too! 👌👌

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@jenniferbutcher759]

Thoroughly recommend hiking poles, super helpful on the scree slopes and the long descent. Wouldn’t hike without them now…

[@AlexanderAyling]

Good call!!

[@SweetHeavensSunshine]

I really like your hiking content! If you do more hiking videos in the future, I’d love for you to continue sharing a blurb about what gear you use, what the weather conditions are at that time of the year that you went (temp, humidity, weather, ext.), and what the social environment is like.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you! I’ll do that. More hiking content coming soon - as well as an updated gear video

[@sharontihore1585]

Good tips Alex for this hike prepare, safety, what to wear can change thanku

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers Sharon

[@davepannekoek1562]

Alex, the descent into the lakes is a Scree Slope. Yip its loose crap and easy to slip on, but the key is drive your heel in and this compresses the scree and makes a more stable platform ... roll on to the heel to get your foot firmly down and then repeat. You can literally stride down in short order.... Done that walk a few times. And it is beautiful with the vents, lakes and awesome views if you walk the South Crater walk to the Tongariro Peak and get amazing views up to Taupo and across to Mt Egmont.

[@wendybarker590]

Excellent description of the scree walking technique, thank you.

[@DD-by3ys]

I'll be solo traveling to NZ in December for the first time. Planning on renting a car and exploring both islands as much as I can! I'm excited and slightly nervous about it, but your videos have been a big inspiration to take the leap of faith, so thank you for that!! I'll definitely add the Tongariro to the list 😉

[@AlexanderAyling]

You’ll have such an epic time. Stay tuned my full NZ travel guide is coming soon!

[@gabygaedecke2411]

When I was there, Kiwis were telling me that foreign tourists frequently got into traffic accidents not because of the single-lane auto+train bridges they had to navigate, but because they had leaned down to scratch a sandflea bite and veered into the wrong lane! LOL. Some of the beaches are SO bad for sandfleas! 😆But you'll love it - hands-down my favourite country in the world!

[@highfivehangten]

If you are renting a car, a great option for Tongariro transport is to park your car at the end carpark (full day about $20) and hop on a bus from the end carpark to the beginning of the hike. You need to book a spot on the bus. There's a few different companies that do it. Then when you finish the crossing, it's only a short walk back to your car :) enjoy!

[@DD-by3ys]

Thank you for the great tips, everyone! Appreciate it :)

[@roberthansford7773]

I’m gunna be doing the same thing in November 😊 hope you have an awesome time 🎉

[@erandalakmal6085]

I was watching your kilimanjaro vlog and saw this. Didnt know you were in nz. I live in nz too and done this crossing. Great vlogs keep it going 👍

[@ucgolie84]

Wow finally, a great video. Thank you for the advise.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Glad it was helpful!

[@seitenname3531]

Ill be going tomorrow. Im very fit in general but i got diabetes and a very recently twisted ankle so im gonna make sure and prepare. Great video!

[@macraecaitlin]

Great tips! I have a couple of extras having done the crossing I think four times now? Number One: lip balm!! It is so exposed to both sun and wind on the crossing, lip balm will save your life if you don’t have a buff. Number Two: if you have a car you can park at the END of the trail and then get a shuttle to the start - that way you can just (after a quick 400m walk from trail end) get in your own car and you don’t have to worry about the shuttles leaving without you. I personally love this option but make sure you check where exactly you can park at the end - there’s restrictions so go with a company that arranges parking for you. Number Three: there are toilets about 10 minutes walk from the start of the trail and these are usually much less busy than the ones at the trailhead so use those! Amazing job despite the sandwiches 😂

[@paigefairweather695]

I loved the crossing!! I did it in 2020, definitely got lucky with less tourists at that time. Another awesome NZ hike is the te Whara track on the Whangarei heads. Its a gorgeous track with a really cute hut at Peach Cove to stay the night and cool off at the secluded beach there.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Sounds good I’ll add it to the list

[@Nynke_K]

Ha! I literally just finished watching your previous video when this one came out!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Planning to do the crossing?!?

[@Nynke_K]

@@AlexanderAyling maybe if I ever make it to New Zealand! It definitely looks like a great, if challenging, hike. I think I'd want to bring trekking poles as well - they really help with balance and they'd also make it easier on your legs and knees! And yes, proper footwear - I saw people in slippery cotton trainers and sandals go up Preikestolen in Norway - not funny. And this terrain reminded me of that time I went up mount Vesuvius in Italy when I was barely out of college. I wore my sturdy hiking sandals but it still sucked because that sharp volcanic grit got everywhere! Horrible!

[@widerman2000]

Thank you for this video! I am going on a 3 week tour to New Zealand through Gadventures and this trek is on the list! Now I know how to pack for the trek and what to bring. This was really helpful!

[@peterferan4389]

The Pinacles walk in the Kaeranga Valley....Thames is very popular . There is a large hut to stay overnight but you need to book

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Peter I’ll take a look at it for sure

[@traveladdicts2019]

Just arrived back from completing the trek. Perfect weather, amazing scenery. Thanks to your tips and the online guidance from DOC, all went smoothly. BTW, we’re about halfway through your 21-day itinerary (in reverse, north to south). Terrific resource.

[@teeeteee000]

Loooove your content!!! ❤❤❤

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@flowergirl4652]

I did this hike many years ago. It's awesome.

[@tantra7]

You've entered my realm again-as I love hiking but have not done it since I had kids ...I have people playing music on a trail & making nr2 on it, definitely not a nice sight ... You look like Alex from Vagabond again- back to good commentating & good guide travel tips -thank you

[@helenover3381]

Enjoyed the vlog thank you. Good advice.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Helen!

[@effie-Toronto]

Interesting video Alex very informative

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Effie 🙏🏼

[@chrisharris1522]

You should consider doing the Waikaremoana track it is 4 days around one of the most magical lakes high up in the mountains. My family used to take a boat and camp right at the back of the lake for a few summers, it was where I caught my first trout on a fly, Hamil's Killer I believe. There are mornings when the lake dead still and shrouded with banks of mist and you can see the fish jump, it is an amazing place.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Sounds epic. It’s over between Gizzy and Hawkes Bay right?

[@chrisharris1522]

@@AlexanderAyling yep

[@craigbourbonevans]

I second that...ended up their after taking a wrong turn ..we ended up staying a week...one of nz best kept secrets...stunning place

[@sharontihore1585]

Yes , it's awesome love the brush walk ,clear water's ,beautiful place

[@chrisharris1522]

@@craigbourbonevans one time my friend and I took that road as a short cut to get to Mahia we realised our error when we saw the road sign “winding unsealed road next 192 kms” lol but it was a fun trip

[@dressjess]

I want to do the crossing but honestly don't know where to start planning. This was extremely helpful (also quite funny 😆)

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Jess I’m glad this video was helpful. Hope you enjoy the crossing 👍🏽

[@NZWarriors1995]

In my last year of high school we had school camp in the Tongariro National Park and hiked on Mt Tongariro. On the descent, hiking on that steep loose shingle, I started to gather speed and could not stop and kept gaining pace until my legs could no longer keep up with the speed. I ended up flying through the air and landed on my front on some rocks, one of them slicing my quad open! I was carried down and the teachers drove me to Turangi to an after hours doctor. He proceeded to give me a Tetanus shot right in the wound 😵‍💫. Then informed me he would stitch me up so I wouldn't scar....Unfortunately I do carry a big scar on my quad to remind me of my hike!

[@kumaradventure]

holy shit

[@jackieking1522]

My daughter was in jandals and a crop top at Soda Springs when someone coming the other way, in full Alpine gear, tried to stop her continuing. His English wasn't good and we made a hash of insisting that we knew what we were doing, so it still feels rude that we just pushed past him. I didn't think to show him that my backpack contained all her gear and that once we reached Red crater she was going to take over the group to Ketatahi while I , now empty packed, would go back to get the wagon and drive round to pick them up. Another of life's dangling threads.

[@tonybennett4159]

So many people underestimate the NZ sun. At Tongariro, the sun would be about as high as it is in Lisbon, but because of the cooler air that flows over NZ it doesn't feel like it. All over NZ the UV factor is extremely high. For those like me who have a bad reaction to insect bites, I would say wear hiking trousers. We sat by the Emerald Lake to eat lunch and the sandflies were out in force. They LOVE legs! I was in my late 60s when I did the crossing and it was no trouble making it in the allotted time, nor was it especially arduous compared with some of the steeper hikes I've done in Europe.

[@HewasAdventure85]

thanks mate this is very important

[@UrduTravel]

Really Amazing 🤩👍 video as usual really vary good

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!

[@AnonYmous-UserNotFound]

I’ve done this hike 3 times now and once saw a guy hiking alone in a full suit and dress shoes with no additional gear (including water). It looked like he was doing the walk of shame home! People don’t understand how quickly the conditions can change up there.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Wow! That takes the cake. Maybe he just quit his job and was like, “I need nature!”

[@garykiley5828]

Alex and Carrie we are traveling to NZ in January and would love to meet you if we knew where you are exactly, and if you were interested in a quick stop. Gary and Kathy K

[@Lukethexplorer]

From one New Zealand youtuber to another. Good luck with your channel :)

[@thomassch.4110]

It was the most beautiful hike I did up to now although I had an inflammation in my patellar tendon afterwards for two month since my knees obviously were not prepared for that kind of a hike with 15kg of camera gear on my back 😓 So you really need to be prepared!! Anyways... the views that we got on that hike and the experience we had we will never forget! It was totally worth it 😍🥳📸

[@AlexanderAyling]

Definitely worth it but hard on the knees for sure

[@jenniferbutcher759]

Another transport option is Tongariro Crossing shuttles where you drive to the Ketatahi end Carpark, and they pick you up and drop you at the start, then you don’t have the pressure to race to catch a shuttle at the end of the hike you can just get in your own car and drive when you are ready…

[@highfivehangten]

I did this! Much more relaxing to not have time pressure on the other side, especially if people in your group hike at different speeds (I'm a slow beginner, fast towards the end).

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks for sharing - this sounds like a much better option!!

[@scottm7786]

Jennifer, can you just drive to the car park without making prior arrangements and then pay the shuttle driver? thanks

[@jarsky]

7am-4pm seems pretty tight for the coaches, I've been told it takes about 9-10hrs? I was considering doing it, but since I'd be by myself I really don't want to get stranded alone if I slow down 😔

[@AlexanderAyling]

You’ll be ok. Go for it. Even if you miss the coach, there will be other people there to help get you back to Turangi. But you can make it no worries. Just keep a steady pace, with a chill little lunch break and you’ll be fine. You won’t regret it

[@elahhale9057]

😎cool 👍🏻

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Elah

[@pauls3852]

'The Sandwich Chronicles', though that title wouldn't have attracted as many views. So which of DOCs great walks is next? I vote for the Routeburn. The Rakiura is possibly the least impressive but the bird life down there is something else. Then again a barbeque at the beach is so much easier.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Routeburn is at the top of my list

[@balancedglenn]

Sweet as, bro. Did the circuit in 2010 and loved the area so much, when I returned to the north island a few months later, I did the crossing... Sort of. Ngaruhoe was shrouded in clouds on my first ascent and I really wanted to see it on a fine day. So I parked my car at the beginning and did an out-and-back which included mt tongariro and the crater. Am I the only one who really thinks that lava tube looks vaginal? Anyhow, cool to hear your take on it all. The toilets are new (and necessary with all those hordes of people), and I'm really sad to see the track destroyed like around 8:20.

[@LalaHulse]

I just got back from a visit with friends in Taupo who got it in their heads that we should do a spur-of-moment hike of the FREAKING TONGARIRO CROSSING. Needless to say, we did not take them up in their offer of loaning us hiking shoes (!) so we could “finish up in seven hours” (!!) and then drive back to Wellington by 8 (!!!) Anyway, thanks for the tips 😀

[@AlexanderAyling]

Sometimes a spontaneous crossing is in order haha!

[@thiagofabriciofelipe8681]

Hello Alexander. I booked my shuttle bus for December 26th and had to pay 60 dollars for myself, my wife, and each of my two children - total 240 dollars. They will pick us up at the end of the crossing and take us to the beginning, then, when we finish, we will get in the car and leave. I tried to find this other bus service that you talk about but I didn't find anything about it. Could you explain better how you booked your transport, and if it still exists?

[@sunshinegorman3218]

This is so helpful. I’m planning my trip to NZ in May and was looking at possibly doing the Tongariro. Can you rent hiking poles in NZ?

[@AlexanderAyling]

I’m sure a trekking company would have them for hire

[@RobinOm27]

Best tip: "Go Before You Go!" 😁 ... how about hiking poles? Those knees would've been super grateful, maybe?

[@AlexanderAyling]

That’s a good call for sure haha

[@parkiwi4787]

Tip one have a big breakfast. Tip two do a Pooh. Tip three by a chilled 6 pack of beer. Tip four enjoy! 7 hours is the fastest crossing, if you need another Pooh RUN

[@AlexanderAyling]

LOL

[@vistaspmajor]

Great video, would you recommend carrying multiple layers in the summer too? I plan to go in the first week of February

[@AlexanderAyling]

Yes, definitely. The weather can change dramatically. Also, if you're coming to NZ, grab a copy of my NZ travel itineraries! bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand ✨

[@vistaspmajor]

@@AlexanderAylingthank you so much!

[@francescathomas3502]

Are you going to upload the actual hiking video? I would love to see some views!! Thanks.

[@eyin9451]

Hi Since I will got an appointment at Taupo at 7pm, and we can be at the track starting point about about 2:30 pm, so we are planning just walk the 1st part, which is the easiest part, and then return. So may I ask u 2 questions, 1)I hike a lot, so do you think I can return to the car park in 2.5hours. 2) In the 1st park, can I still take some beautiful photos. Many thanks ! or do you have some other suggestion

[@catherinemodafferi6901]

Hi Alex, thanks for this very interesting and usefull video. My husband and I (62 and 63 years old) are going to NZ in Feb/March. We really would like to do this quite difficult hike. We are already well equiped as we walk regularly in our mountains here in Italy doing 20 to 22 km in a day. We are in good condition (my husband runs 15km every other day and I walk a lot, practice horse riding often (I have my own horse) and yoga). My question is : did you see some people of our age doing this hike? We will park the car at the Ketetahi in order to have no stress for the duration of the hike. Honestly, do you thing it's possible for us to do it ??? Thanks so much for your answer.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Sounds like you two will have no problem at all. Just don't forget to bring lunch :)

[@catherinemodafferi6901]

@@AlexanderAyling 🤣 Thanks for your answer... I promess to do not let my husband take care of it !!!

[@jackieking1522]

I'm 75 now , last did it 5 years ago. I have nothing like your preparation background.... you will have no problem at all. And without the pickup time pressure you should consider adding on the couple of hours side trip to the summit of Ngauruhoe. If the weather is fine... no point in going up there if its misty.

[@jasonmuir4201]

Hey Alex, u too some come do the hump ridge track

[@jackieking1522]

Fair enough....folk not being dropped off by the professionals should really check the mountain forecast before starting out. We once went off in bright morning sun, were a bit dumb in not wondering why ours were the first footprints in snow on the boardwalks. We found out at South crater where we had difficulty standing and the icicles dangling from my hairy legs jangled like a Morris dancers bells. Since I knew that the real exposure would come at climb to Red Crater, we make the smartest move of all time and scurried back to the Sun at Mangatapopo. Where the miracle of cell phones got my wife to return and pick us up.

[@ceramicnurse]

Totally enjoyed this episode so much! We’ve heard so many news reports over the years, of folks getting stuck on Tongariro and now I know why. After all the years of parent volunteering for my kids outdoor education including long-as bush walks in QT ( Milford track, etc), I’m not looking for another gruelling walk. So in addition to helping folks keen to try the Tongariro, you’ve also helped those of us not intending to go to see it ourselves through your eyes. Love the honesty about the sandwiches. As fellow happily married folk, it was funny to see that moment of “what?!” in Carrie’s reaction and the way you both handled it. We’ve all been there and done that, for sure 😅

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@juliawhiteman]

Great video! Would you say the elevation gain was more difficult on this hike or the Milford Track?

[@carolynclitheroe3588]

I’m worried about the dusty descent part. Would using Nordic walking poles be helpful for this or is there no way of making it easier?

[@gerardorivera6071]

As an international traveler, where should I stay to do it? Or any near town to stay for the hike and then how to go back or move on. I'm trying to add it on my way from Rotorua to Wellington. My best bet is to know where should I stay (if not from Rotorua) to start the hike or to know which shuttle gets me there in the morning, and from there, when finishing the hike, how to continue to Wellengton. Is it possible: Plan A where to stay to go and return from the hike? Plan B Which transport can take me from rotorua to the Alpine Crossing hike and continue to Wellington the same day? I'm planning to be there passing mid february. Thank you everyone if you can help me with this :D

[@AlexanderAyling]

Stay at the Turangi Caravan Park, the shuttle picks up from there in the morning.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Also watch this before you visit - 12 Essential NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL Tips! | WATCH BEFORE You Go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6iUc4BmpZJ3d80

[@Animasubramanian]

Hey man I live in auckland and im planning this hike as well, is it safe to go in winter and can I pitch a tent to stay there?

[@henryvonmatt]

Wait lol, why no snow up there? Isnt it winter rn? :o

[@AlexanderAyling]

This was filmed in the end of summer 👍🏽

[@sumiatisumiati3510]

How long the slippery part? That must be harshest part. How long to take to complete the hike?. Thanks

[@stargazer5073]

Were sandwiches on ice in the van? Were you able to eat them when hike was over?????

[@williamcarter361]

I did this in 98 but over three days, camped two nights in huts.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Probably a better way to do it haha

[@jasmin-7227]

Don‘t be afraid!! I did this hike yesterday and I watched this video and was so nervous because I never hike. I needed a little bit longer maybe because of breaks but it is possible. You can take breaks literally everywhere and theres so many people to help you if you need something. Don‘t be scared and do it! Just bring hiking boots and watch your steps!! Sometimes the ground is very very uneven so be prepared!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Congratulations 🎊

[@robthetraveler1099]

I'm solo traveling to New Zealand for the first time next May and couldn't be more excited! I'm planning on doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and was planning on parking my car on the west side of Mt. Ngauruhoe, hiking up to the Emerald Lakes Overlook, and hiking back. That would be a little bit shorter than doing the whole thing and I would end up where my car is. You don't mention this as a possibility... is this doable? Is the trail one way only or something?

[@patricehardynz]

Stay at a backpacker and they will sort out transport for you, and cook you dinner.

[@thiagofabriciofelipe8681]

Hi. Thanks for your video. Is it a good place to go with children? My children are 13 and 10 years old and I am worried if they will be able to walk these 20km. They are excited to go, but I'd like to know if you have any other suggestions for who goes with children. Thanks

[@AlexanderAyling]

Personally I would suggest waiting until your kids are older. Perhaps both being 14+ - the weather can change very quickly and it’s a big day for an adult.

[@lagadi1998]

hey ! when did you guys hiked there? what month?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Mid March 👍🏽

[@lagadi1998]

@@AlexanderAyling Nice! You have any idea how is it to hike there in late October? Is it snowy?

[@alotgoinon]

are you allowed to climb the summit or is there someone there to tell you you cannot ? i see people post videos still climbing the cone of the volcano but hear mixed reviews.

[@ajc389]

It is literally a walk in the park, the national park.

[@korstmahler]

I wonder where that guy in jandals is now. Poor guy.

[@AlexanderAyling]

RIP 🪦

[@mikefellbach6841]

We did the hike 4 years ago. Several hotels will allow you to book transportation which is better than the bus since they will generally wait for you. Unfortunately some members of our group decided to climb the volcano which is a side trip you can do on the trail and as a result were late for the pickup. So glad that NZ is open again for travel even though the pandemic is still ripping, accelerated by people who took the jab (variants) though the media is staying silent on it. Unfortunately we won't be able to return to NZ anytime soon due to the crazy quarantine requirements here.

[@ginganutjob]

there is no quarantine, hasn't been for ages

[@CorexFoxx]

You should do the lord of the rings walking tour

[@stargazer5073]

How long are you going to live in NZ? Any children in your future???

[@Tom_McMurtry]

:))

[@stargazer5073]

Alex, please leave up your written messages longer. Can't read that fast. Danke wait, I'm allergic to wool!

[@tantra7]

I *hate music on trails

[@jlinus7251]

I was thinking of doing this in March when I go, but now I'm deciding against it. Seems quite difficult. I'll maybe try something this hard when I'm fitter 🥲