judilie

We're hoping to hike the Tongariro Crossing in mid-November this year. Is it possible to know yet (based on snow to date) what the conditions (snowwise) are likely to be?

Are water-proof, high-topped hiking boots advised, or could I get by with low-topped trail-running shoes?

Also, I'd appreciate recommendations of places to stay near this, ideally places that provide us with other option of thing to see and do should the Tongariro Crossing not appear to be advisable when we're there.

Thanks!

mlgb

http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/tra....aspx?id=36028

You can check with DOC on conditions later on.

ElendilPickle

We'd planned to hike the Crossing in April 2004, but it was clouded over on top, so we decided to skip it. Instead, we did the Taranaki Falls Walk, which took about two hours and was very pretty. You can see pictures at http://community.webshots.com/user/ElendilPickle

We stayed at the Skotel at Whakapapa Village in the park. Our standard room was really, really tiny; ask for a deluxe room if you stay there.

Lee Ann

judilie

Thanks, Lee Ann. Other than the size of the room, would you recommend the Skotel at Whakapapa Village?

stragic

Regarding shoes, I'd go with whichever pair is more comfortable for 8-9 hours of walking (although the high topped hiking boots are likely to provide you more ankle support). My husband and I wore sneakers without injury when we did the crossing in April this year.

We stayed in a holiday home just outside of Ohakune and we were picked up and returned by the Matai Shuttle service for our trip. We booked the shuttle at the Ohakune I-site the day before the hike. I'm a fan of staying in holiday homes in New Zealand as you have more space than you find in a hotel room.

Wishing you good luck on the Tongariro Crossing. We thought we were in shape until we ended up physically/mentally exhausted and late for our return shuttle in April (fortunately, we had a cell phone and we're picked up an hour later). We're currently training to complete the Tongariro again in late October! You'll love the views as they're absolutely stunning on a fine day.

judilie

Thanks, stragic. If you'd recommend the holiday home where you stayed, can you please send information about it.

Thanks!


P.S. I just bought a pair of medium-top, lightweight, waterproof hiking boots yesterday at a Labor Day sale.

stragic

Hi Judilie, The holiday home we stayed at was a 3 bedroom/1 bathroom home and we did have to bring our own bath towels (but if you enquire perhaps they can arrange that for you). Here's the website: http://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/properties/6827.asp
The home was very cosy when the fire was going (although there are also heaters in the rooms) and there were incredible views of Mount Ruapehu outside the french doors. Happy travel planning!

judilie

Thanks. However, we're coming from the U.S., and there are only two of us, so this doesn't sound appropriate for us. I'd welcome other suggestions.

ElendilPickle

The Skotel was fine aside from the tiny room. We had planned to spend two nights there, figuring we'd want to recuperate after doing the Tongariro Crossing, but once we decided not to do the tramp, we checked out that morning. The front desk staff was very helpful.

Lee Ann