Alpine crossing danger highlighted
Friday, June 18th, 2010
Day trippers should be weather-wise on Central North Island treks, Ceana Priest reports.
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Unprepared day trampers are in increasing danger of being caught out on New Zealand’s most accessible alpine trek as winter approaches, authorities warn.
Last month, there was a dramatic night rescue of a group of unprepared trampers on the Tongariro Crossing.
Experienced mountaineers told the Waikato Times they are worried day trippers will underestimate the exposed hike during the shoulder season before winter sets in and will get caught by snow, ice, and hypothermia.
Three years ago, DOC changed the hike’s description to include the word alpine to reflect the altitude of the crossing. Red Crater (1886 metres) is the highest point, but many people climb Mt Ngauruhoe (2287m) and Mt Tongariro (1967m) as side trips during the day.
Whakapapa Ski Area Safety Services manager Andy Hoyle, who was involved in last month’s rescue with the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation, said the group of three had overestimated their abilities when they attempted the Mt Ngauruhoe ascent.
“The group was utterly unprepared,” he said. “Inappropriate shoes and inadequate clothing. They started climbing late and when the weather conditions changed, became severely hypothermic. We spent the night carrying them off the mountain.
“Being unprepared is a chronic problem with the crossing because of its easy access. You see some people in their jandals – it’s pretty eye-opening.
“There’s this concept out there the track must be easy because it’s so close to the road.
Tags: Alpine, day trippers, hypothermia, mountaineers, Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Tongariro, North Island, Red Crater, Ruapehu, Tongariro Crossing, trek, Whakapapa | Posted in Walks | 1 Comment »
