Tongariro crossing in winter

I've just been on Mt Tongariro, was coming down to mangatepopo rd end i passed several groups going up and had a chat about where they were going, almost all of them wanted to get to emerald lakes, that requires climbing over Red Crater which is covered in thick ice at present, ice axe and crampons essential for safe travel. you must have experience using them and with self arresting. apart from two guided groups, only one couple had ice axe and crampons. people have obviously seen emerald lakes, its viral on the internet.... but a lot arent doing their homework about whats required to get there. the DOC visitor center would have informed them if they'd have asked.