We are hoping to hike the Tongariro Crossing and are looking at arriving via plane in Taupo at 8:40 a.m. and hiking that day. Will this give us enough time to complete the hike? (3 average health males in 30's). Does the trail close at a particular time, and if we finish later in the day, how can we arrange a pickup. We are planning to stay at the Skokel Motel so what is the best plan for transportation...rent a car, arrange transportation etc. Arriving the night before is still a possibility, but we are coming from Queenstown and want to leave as late as possible. (Afternoon flight to Auckland, morning flight to Taupo). Thanks for any suggestions.

Dan L

This sounds like a bad idea to me. While anyone in good shape can complete the crossing, it takes all day to do so, and the normal shuttles that take trampers back from the Ketetahi car park stop at around 5 or 6pm (we used Mountain Shuttle - www.tongarirocrossing.com). If you arrive in Taupo at 8:40 (assuming the plane is on time), by the time you gather your belongings, drop off what you don't need, and arrange for transport to the Mangatepopo Roadend, it will be at least 11am; probably more like noon. I don't think that this allows sufficient time to make the crossing. DOC recommends 7 to 8 hours - that is what it took me, but I'm 50+. You could possibly do it in as little as 6 hours, but no less. This is a tough hike over rough terrain that cannot be done rapidly, not to mention that the views are so spectacular, you will want to tarry here and there. And, all of the above assumes that it isn't raining or otherwise inclement!

This hike is very worthwhile, but you need to allow a little more time.

I resent that! I consider myself to be in above average health!

We just did the Tongariro Crossing and the shuttles are at 6:20 a.m. Taupo and 7:00 a.m. from Turangi and return at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. If you do your plan you wouldn't get on the mountain until 11:00 a.m. like ALF said & would have to provide your own transportation at each end most likely. You need to consider weather too. The later you start the hotter it is and it's there are no trees on the crossing until the end.

Our son (22) did the hike in about 5-1/2 hours, but didn't stop. The rest of us took 7 hours and stopped for pictures and a quick lunch. I don't think the trail closes because there were people heading up the as we were walking out as late as 2:30 only going from the car park to the ketetahi hut. You might e-mail the shuttle places and ask. www.tongariroexpeditions.com was who we used out of Turangi. The crossing is incredible and if you have time a must do, but advise you get into Taupo the night before.

Thanks for your responses, it was very helpful.

My son said the bus driver told him that sprinters can do the crossing in 1 hour and 47 minutes!! Pretty incredible.