Pre-Dawn Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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Tongariro Crossing - 1 day from National Park or Whakapapa Village

Pre-dawn departures on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park has you on the top of Red Crater watching the sun rise in unique lighting and with the peaceful, still, quiet moments of the dawn.

This 19km trek is New Zealand's best day one day walk. The track leads up to the saddle between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro and then diverts over Mt Tongariro. Mt Tongariro is not a single volcano, but a complex of craters that have been active at different periods. The landscape on Tongariro is peppered with the different coloured and shaped craters, scoured volcanic rocks, active geothermal areas, mountain springs, and brightly coloured emerald lakes. In summer this track can be crowded and where possible, we take our clients away from the crowds, while making sure that the popular sights are still experienced. 

Itinerary

With the Milky Way at your fingertips and shooting stars screaming in the clarity that only the pre-dawn can achieve, come and see the sunrise at the Red Crater Summit and enjoy breakfast at the Ketetahi hut. The route is the same as followed during the day with one exception....NO CROWDS! We supply headlamps, hats, gloves, warm tops, jackets and trousers and a guide to make sure everyone is safe, healthy, on-track and having a great time.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing starts at the Mangatepopo Valley (1100 m), and the first 2 hours of the trek is an upward gentle gradient to Soda Springs. The track leads up to the Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe saddle and it is steep. This section is taken slowly to ensure we all enjoy the spectacle and scenery.

We have now arrived at the South Crater (1650 m). Here we take a break and photos.

We then traverse to the start of the last climb for the day, up the side of Tongariro to the famous Red Crater summit (1882 m). This takes approximately 1 hour.

After taking in the view of the active Red Crater with the Otarere and Rangipo deserts in the background, we descend to the Emerald Lakes where we enjoy lunch, refreshments and a well-earned break.

From here it is a 2- hour trek past the Blue Lake down to the Ketetahi Hut and a natural thermal area. At the hut we take another break before the last 2-hours of downhill through beautiful native forest and beside a stream rich in minerals. We have now finished ... Easy!

Total walking time is 7-8 hours

General Terms and Conditions

All trips are a minimum of 2 people or the equivalent fee except the Winter Tongariro Alpine Crossing Group option which has a group minimum of 5 people. Single customers will be accepted upon availability with a surcharge. If possible and agreeable, single customers will be placed into a group, with no surcharge.

Pick up from Taupo, Turangi or Ohakune has a surcharge unless otherwise stated. Minimum numbers apply.

Depending on the group and activity, restrictions will apply in regard to age, level of fitness, and standard of health that is required. These restrictions will apply in the instance of safety and general enjoyment of the whole group. Where possible, we will offer an alternative option to accommodate clients.

All trips have a minimum of clothing and equipment requirements that clients must adhere to. In the instance of clients being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal will be automatic and no refund will be issued. We must be informed of any medical issues which could hinder your safety or the safety of the group.

Bookings

$100 pp non refundable deposit is required to confirm any booking.

Payment in full is required 7 days prior to commencement of the adventure unless other arrangements are made.

Cancellation

In the event of bad weather an alternative adventure will be offered that is safe.

We have the right to cancel an adventure should we consider the weather to cause too high a risk.

Cancellation of an adventure by the customer - If possible, we will organise for you to join another party on a similar trip. If this is undesirable, the confirmation fee is forfeited. If you cancel with 30 days notice then a full refund will be made. No refund will be made on cancellations within 30 days of the start of the adventure.

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