Tongariro National Park Travel Forum

Hi we are a family with 2 children 9 & 11 of moderate fitness and are looking at doing the track later in January. Has anyone done track with kids, is it two bigger ask of them? any advise. much appreciated.

Kids this age can do the crossing, but it depends on their fitness. If they are overweight they will hate it for sure. IT's a very LONG day and a series of hard climbs. And it is vital that they carry water and warm clothing as the weather can turn very cold and bad in a short time. There is no quick way down in that case.
So far our summer has been much colder than normal and the wind is very cool. Alpine areas are even having snow, at times, albeit light. Tongariro will be cold for sure. But if they have good wind/rain protection, and are able to walk for several hours, most kids can do it. They must carry water individually. It's no good one person carrying water and then getting separated from each other. That goes for their coats too.

thanks alot for advice!

It's a great walk and I hope you have good weather. Sadly it's very tough in bad weather. Maybe good advice also, is to decide last minute (ie the night before). There are many other things to do in the region if you have to abort this idea.
Being on a volcanic plateau is an different experience anyway, if you are not from such a region.
Good luck!!

By the way, there is no 'technical' climbing on this track. Coming down the NOrth side, the steps are very "tall" and I found that really hurt my legs after a while. Going down that is.