Hello,
We are a Swedish couple travelling with our 6 month old son to NZ in March. We are really interested in doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We are experienced hikers and have been hiking mostly in Sweden and Scandinavia, but we have so far only done shorter hikes with our son. We have sturdy hiking boots, hiking poles and an ergonomic baby carrier. We also have wool clothing for our son and a wind- and waterproof cover for the baby carrier. Our plan was to try to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing by starting early and taking frequent breaks. We don't think the distance and time will be any problem for our son (he really likes being carried around in the baby carrier), but how technical is the hike? Are there many technical parts where it is more climbing/scrambling than actual hiking? In what shape is the track? Is it doable carrying a 6 month old baby in a baby carrier or is this just foolish?
Thankful for all help!
Best regards,
Sebastian & Erika
its just a steep walk, bit stoney and gravely under foot but otherwise a good track.. all comes down to the weather on the day, it varies greatly and can be severe, even in summer can be minus 10C wind chill
red crater is the top of the crossing
http://www.metservice.com/mountain/tongariro-national-park
I have an 8-month-old and I would consider doing it in good weather -- although with ours she can get a bit grumpy after three hours being carried.
The key issue to consider would be weather changes, which are possible on any day. Your carrier needs to be waterproof and you need to ensure you can keep your child warm should conditions change. The risk of hypothermia for a little body is very high. Note that it's only two hours between Mangatepopo Hut and South Crater if you need to bail out. Another factor to consider is sun -- there is no shelter on the track so you'll likely need a sunshade or whatever works for you.
There are a bunch of excellent day walks in the Whakapapa area too, and if you're driving in the area, I'd personally recommend popping into Pureora forest.
If its fine the sun can be brutal especially on skin not accustomed to it NZ and Aus have the highest uv readings on the planet and up there you are closer to the sun. Believe me it does make a difference.
If the weather turns it can snow heavily and time of the year You would know what snow and gale force winds can be like.
First thought would of been dont do it but you seem to have ticked most or all of the safety boxes which just leaves be careful up there and enjoy.
the amount of UV light can still be very high even when the sun is obscured by clouds, the uv light is stronger at the altitude of tongariro national park. always cover up the most exposed areas to the sky in summer. especially head and shoulders, feet.
I did the crossing a few weeks ago as part of the Northern Circuit. There's an exposed ridge at the top of red crater that can get a bit interesting if the wind is up, and a short scree slope down the other side. Other than that it's very easy walking. Agree re sun exposure though, wife forgot to slip slop slap and ended up with lobster legs. She reckons they worked fine as heaters the following day when we encountered sleet...
Go for it! As long as you check the weather, carry warm clothing regardless and take some High SPF sunblock
You'd be amazed at what we get on the Tongariro Track...people in jandals, jeans and asking where to buy food...
