Guided or Un-Guided Tongariro Crossing in Winter?
 

Any thoughts on doing the Tongariro Crossing in August with a guide or without? I know the guides (at least one that I already contacted) won't going unless the weather is pretty good and won't book until the day before. We don't want to put ourselves in danger but I was hoping to hear what others thought.

Are you experienced in winter climbing? Use of ice axe, crampons, etc. Most important to hike in clear weather so you can find the track.

Check the DOC website for a description of the conditions:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=51376

We are currently in Taupo and were planning to do the crossing but the weather has been so bad it is closed. We narrowly missed getting stuck in a nearby ski resort for several days! According to the local news they had to form a human chain just to get people from the car park to the safety of teh DOC centre. The weather can change VERY quickly indeed. Unless you are very experienced in mountain hiking in winter use a guide.

Wow! Human chain just from the parking lot...can you imagine trying to find the trail?

On the other hand sometimes in winter there are long stretches of clear weather...for NZ, that is.

I'll add the link for the national weather service (MetService). Look for the "mountain forecast". Very important any time of year, of course it's subject to frequent change...that darn Tasman Sea.

http://metservice.co.nz/default/index.php

Thanks so much for the feedback. It definitely sounds like we'll be needing a guide based on our experience and the conditions.