Sto studiando i trekking - Still studying the trekkings

The First Trek should be the:

Tongariro National Park

Location

 

Tongariro National Park is located in the central North Island of New Zealand. It is the closest national park to Auckland, New Zealands largest city, and is very accessible from State Highway 1. The nearest towns are Turangi, National Park and Ohakune. 

I think I'll do the  TONGARIRO Alpine CROSSING - About 19 Km

In this way I don't have to book in advance the Great Walk Ticket cause I really don't know yet when I'll be there.

The weather in the Tongariro National Park can change very quickly, it is essential that you are prepared for all conditions.

• Food and plenty of fluid, especially on hot days and if you are going to do any of the summit’s you will need extra water.
• Rainproof coat and over trousers
• Strong sturdy boots (You will be trekking on uneven volcanic terrain)
• Warm woolen or polypropylene clothing
• Sun protection
• Personal first aid kit
• Map and compass 

It is recommended that you take transport to the beginning of the track so operators know when to expect you off the mountain.. STARTING POINT: Mangatepopo - ARRIVAL POINT: Ketetahi

Campsites:

Fees

$4.00 adult/night, $2.00 child/night (5-17 years), under 5 free

 The Whakapapa Visitor Centre is situated at the main gateway to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park and presently attracting in excess of one million visitors per annum.

The opening hours for the Centre are:

• Summer: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm in the summer (November – March)
• Winter: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in the winter (April – October) 

A 24 hour emergency helpline can be accessed from a phone in the foyer. 
TONGARIRO Crossing spans

The crossing spans the length of Mt Tongariro (18.5 Kilometres) and takes about 7-9 hours.  You start from the Mangatepopo Valley and walk over towards the Ketetahi road end as this will minimise the climbing involved.  You need to arrange transport to the begining of the trek and pick from the end of the day with your accommodation provider in National Park Village.

Summit Side Trips on the Tongariro Crossing 

Mt Ngauruhoe 2287m
allow 1-2 hours up and 30 minutes down(from the saddle)
If you want to climb Mt Ngauruhoe and complete the Crossing in one day - ensure you allow plenty of times as this is a strenuous side trip. 

From South Crater a poled route leads over to the base of Ngauruhoe.  Look for the old lava flow or the rocky ridge to the left of the scree slopes.Then pick your own route up. The summit area can be dangerous and should be avoided if there are any signs of volcanic activity.  The descent can be made relatively quickly but it is easy to lose control on the free-flowing scree.

 Mt Tongariro 1967m

From Red Crater follow the poled route to the summit of Mt Tongariro.   It follows a ridge that can be cold and exposed in poor conditions, so ensure you have plenty of time and a beautiful day to really enjoy this side trip.
Allow 1and 1/2 -2 hours return


TRACK Description:

This description details the trek from Mangatepopo through to Ketetahi. A full day is required (7-8 hours including rest stops). The track can be walked in the reverse direction but this requires more climbing so allow an extra hour. As this is not a round trip visitors will have to arrange transport to Mangatepopo roadend and back from Ketetahi roadend. Several local operators provide this service.
From the carpark at Mangatepopo Roadend, 6km off State Highway 47, the track makes its way up the Mangatepopo Valley. Thirty minutes from the carpark a side track on the left leads to Mangatepopo Hut. Continuing at a gentle gradient the main track climbs alongside a stream and around the edges of old lava flows.
The porous surface of new lava, its blacker colour absorbing much of the sun’s heat, is a harsh environment for plants. Simple colonising mosses and lichens are the first to establish followed years later by successively larger plants each taking advantage of the slow build up of precious soil. This succession of plant communities is evident on the lava flows of varying ages that have flowed from the crater of Ngauruhoe.

Mt Ruapehu Crater climb

Time:  

5 - 7 hr

Distance:  

7 - 10 km

On Mt Ruapehu amazing volcanic terrain is combined with permanent snow and glaciers to provide for a rare and beautiful climb. One of the highlights is a climb to the Ruapehu crater from where you can gaze down into the geothermal waters of the crater lake. On your way up and down take time to enjoy the truly spectacular views.

Alert/Important notice

The mountain has had its first heavy snowfall of the winter. Snow and ice now on Ruapehu to low levels – crampons and ice axe essential for climbing and backcountry travel on the mountain.

Mount Ruapehu

• Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano. 
• An eruption occurred on September 25th 2007.
• Climbers are advised that the area within 700 metres radius of the crater is a High Risk Zone. Mt Ruapehu Crater Hazard Map (PDF, 556K)
• The volcanic Alert is at Level 1. To view the latest information on the alert level, visit the website of GNS Science.
• Climbers approach this area at their own risk.
• Ice axe and crampons are essential.
• Check the avalanche report on avalanche.net.nz.
• Climbers must be well prepared with warm and windproof clothing and boots.  
• Do not climb in poor visibility or high winds.