Tongariro National Park Travel Forum

Hi,

My husband and I will bring our daughter to visit NZ in mid April. We will stay in Whakapapa Village for one night (arrive around dinner time). Our plan is to spend 3 hours in Tongariro next morning. Then we have to drive to Wellington to take the ferry at 4:30. Are there any kid-friendly activities in the park? I saw the recommendation of the chairlifting before. Souds like a good idea. But how long will that take? Will we be able to make the way back within 3 hours? We can not miss the ferry for sure.
Also, can anybody give us some advise on the plan - will we have enought time to accomplish both goals? Thanks very much!

My husband and I are of moderate fitness, although he has some knee problems and uses poles to hike. We love to hike and will be visiting Tongariro National Park early April. We're hesitant to do the full crossing, because of potential bad weather conditions, but would love to see the volcanoes. Which hikes would you recommend, and is it possible to just hike to Red Crater rim?

however, from what I read
From Mangatepopo Rd end to Mangatepopo Hut is 15 mins
From Mangatepopo Hut to Mangatepopo Saddle is 1 ½ hr
From Mangatepopo saddle to Emerald Lake is 2 hrs


it maybe just too much for us, also we have no idea if the hiking is steep or it is flat, it may take more than 4 hrs to get there and there is no way we can just get it back, is there acompodation somewhere in saddle area?

Hi,
Is it too late to do the Tongariro Alpine crossing in mid-May? Would it be covered with snow by then and the great views gone?

Thanks

what are the activities available(describe and name).
And also cold you please (describe)the facilities available.
many thanks margaret.

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.

We are planning to do the Tongariro Crossing but have a few questions.
Besides the huts I see on the map, are there any "water stations" during the hike somewhere? Wondering how much water to pack. We intend on doing the trek in one day.

What is the bus service like? I guess what I'm asking is if it's pretty reliable and what happens if we miss the pick up bus at the end of the hike? Should we try to leave our car there at the end of the trail and possibly hire someone to take us to the starting point instead?

One question, kind of off the subject..... We're renting a car while we are there and have read a lot about the destructive birds, Kea, and how they can/will damage cars (windshield wipers, etc.) Do they sell a "Kea repellent" (ha!) there? I know it sounds like a funny question but it seems like that would be a great invention if they do not. Here in Texas, they sell all sorts of "natural" type repellents for pesky rodents, etc.

We (ma, pa, kids 11 & 13) are going to (weather permitting) do the crossing Feb. 23 or 24. I have looked into various accommodation choices and am looking to send inquiries possibly to Howards Lodge (nation park village), or Club Habitat and Parklands Motor Lodge (Turangi) or Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park and The Hobbit Motor Lodge (Ohakune).

Just wondering if anyone has any insights/comments on any of these accommodations and/or pros/cons of basing out of Turangi vs. Ohakune vs. National Park Village for the crossing. Looks like shuttles for crossing are available from all locations.

Thank you.

Hi VT Members,
I need information on the Tongariro Crossing. Is it really a must in my travels in the North Island? I'm not really fit, but I enjoy walking and photography. I should be arriving in the park on Dec. 20th (my birthday!!), sometime in the afternoon. I'll have to check into a hotel or the like. Any recommendations? I found some info on the Discovery Lodge. Anyone knows it? The next day should be for the crossing. I understand is a one-way 6 to 7 hour tramp. Are tracks properly marked and safe? How do I get back to the hotel (or parking lot where I started from)? Is is better to begin the walk really early in the morning (because of temperature and/or light conditions) or can I take it easy and start at 9 am?
I'd be very grateful for any help.
Thanks a lot!!
Maria

I will be taking the Kiwi Experience bus a method of transportation in NZ. The bus can drop me off at Turangi or Taupo. What would be the best place to get off if I want to do the Tongariro Crossing? How do I get from these places to the start of the walk? I hope you can help me with an answer, if you have other suggestions please let me know.

Martin

Hello, we are a bunch of guys who would like to visit NZ. We have a lot of general information but we would like to have some info about spots who are worthwhile seeing and not commercially exploited

Is there some one who could give us some spots???

Thanks in advance