WalkNZ » Tongariro Crossing

Alpine crossing danger highlighted

WalkNZ — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:18:37 +0000

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.

Tongariro Crossing – a perspective

WalkNZ — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:18:41 +0000

from http://egtravels.blogspot.com/

Seven hours. The cold blue sky, touching down, presses against us. Us making slow progress against the vertical thrust of a mountain side. Caught between the blue infinity and a land mass escaping from Hades. A sense of crushing freedom. Seven hours of being reminded of the forces buried deep below. City life, built on concrete and asphalt, is far removed from this raw energy that nature keeps concealed from us. Sleeping, us in our trance of daily life. Sleeping, nature rests, confident in her awe.
We step upon the South Crater. Life struggles with altitude and cold. The barrenness hemmed in by the presence of Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Red Crater shows signs of life. Some primordial entity, devouring the sinners, breathing out sulphur. The ancient beast lets us pass. Our sins not worthy of its appetite. Seven hours. A still Blue Lake, the colour takes your breath away. No, that’s my lungs being forced to work so hard. Far below, land stretches and buckles. Life grows from the ashes discarded long ago.

walking Te Araroa – Day 32 – hard to believe its been so long

WalkNZ — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:28:25 +0000

In Taumarunui. The te araroa track kind of falls apart here. After discussion with the outdoor store people and info centre I have opted for the river option, skipping the tongariro crossing (which I have done before) and a lot of east-west traversing. Instead I’ll be floating downstream for 5 days and then another 3 with Sarah to Whanganui. Will be out of touch until I’m off the water. Travel companions for this leg include 4 americans who are working in Antarctica, a few Germans and 3 English. Looks like fun!