The Complete Packing List for the Tongariro Crossing
The
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's most spectacular day walks, but it is also an alpine environment where weather conditions can change quickly.
If you're planning to tackle the 19.4 km crossing, knowing what to pack is just as important as being fit enough for the journey. You may start your walk in sunshine and relatively mild conditions in the lower lying areas, and find as you get higher on to the volcanic plateau encounter strong winds, rain, cloud, cold temperatures or even snow higher on the track.
So, what should you actually take with you?
This guide covers the essential Tongariro Alpine Crossing packing list, from clothing and footwear to food, water, navigation and emergency equipment.
Quick Tongariro Alpine Crossing packing list
Before getting into the details, here's the short version of what you'll want in your pack on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing:
* Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip
* Waterproof jacket
* Warm insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket
* Base layer
* Waterproof trousers
* Warm hat and gloves
* Sun hat
* Sunglasses
* Sunscreen
* Plenty of drinking water
* High-energy food for lunch and snacks
* Small first aid kit
* Phone in a waterproof case or bag
* Power bank
* Headlamp or torch
* Navigation equipment or an offline map
* Emergency blanket
* Toilet paper and hand sanitiser
* Small rubbish bag
* Backpack with a comfortable waist and chest strap
The exact gear you need will depend on the season and the weather forecast.
1. Wear proper hiking footwear
Your footwear is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing involves a long day of walking over uneven, rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. You'll encounter everything from formed track to volcanic rock, steep sections and potentially muddy or wet ground.
Choose footwear with:
* Good ankle support
* A solid, grippy sole
* Comfortable cushioning
* Good weather resistance
* A fit you've already tested on longer walks
**Don't wear brand-new boots for the first time on the crossing.** Blisters can turn an enjoyable day into a very uncomfortable one.
For dry summer conditions, experienced hikers may prefer sturdy trail shoes. In colder or wetter conditions, hiking boots can provide additional protection and support.
2. Dress in layers
The weather around Tongariro can be very different from the conditions you experience at the start of the track.
Rather than relying on one thick jacket, dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing as conditions change.
A good system is:
Base layer
A lightweight merino or synthetic layer helps manage moisture and keep you comfortable.
Avoid cotton if possible. Cotton absorbs moisture and dries slowly, which isn't ideal in a cold alpine environment.
Mid layer
Take a fleece or other warm insulating layer.
This becomes particularly valuable when you're exposed to wind or when temperatures drop at higher elevations.
Outer layer
A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential.
Your outer layer needs to protect you from more than just rain. Strong alpine winds can make temperatures feel considerably colder.
**Don't rely on a rain poncho or light fashion rain jacket as your only protection.** You want proper outdoor clothing designed to handle wind and wet conditions.
3. Pack waterproof trousers
Waterproof trousers are one of those items you may not need, until you really need them.
Even if the forecast looks good when you leave, conditions can change during the day, especially in the shoulder seasons.
They are particularly useful when:
* Rain is forecast
* Snow is possible
* Strong winds are expected
* Temperatures are low
* The track is wet and muddy
They also give you another layer of protection against wind chill.
For a relatively small amount of weight in your backpack, they can make a significant difference to your comfort.
4. Don't forget your hat and gloves
It can be tempting to leave your warm accessories behind if you're hiking during summer.
Don't.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing reaches more than 1,800 metres above sea level, and temperatures can be considerably colder than they are at lower elevations.
Pack:
* A warm beanie
* Lightweight gloves
* A sun hat or cap
You may not wear them all day, but you'll appreciate having them if the weather changes.
5. Protect yourself from the sun
Sun protection is essential, even on cloudy days.
At higher elevations, you're exposed to strong UV radiation, and the combination of sun, wind and physical exertion can make it easy to underestimate how much sun you're getting.
Pack:
* SPF sunscreen
* Sunglasses
* Sun hat
* Lip balm with SPF
Make sure you reapply sunscreen during the day, particularly if you're sweating heavily.
6. Take enough water
Walking for many hours in an alpine environment requires plenty of fluid.
There are **no reliable drinking-water supplies along the crossing**, so you need to carry what you'll need for the day. When we last took on the crossing for example we both took two large reusable drinking bottles and this was not enough to get us to the end. We weren't uncomfortably thirsty just missed that last hour or so with some more liquid. Going through the low land areas at the end with the streams was especially frustrating. Due to the volcanic activity on the plateau the streams have high levels of acid and some nasty dissolve minerals like lead and mercury than water filters can not remove so don't try to be brave.
DOC recommends taking 2 to 3 litres and obviously asks you to take all used plastic bottle with you when you exit the crossing.
A reusable hydration bladder can make drinking regularly easier, while bottles provide a useful backup.
How much you need depends on factors such as:
* Temperature
* Wind
* Your body size
* Your walking pace
* How much you normally drink
* Whether you're carrying food with a high salt content
Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
A useful strategy is to take regular small drinks throughout the day rather than suddenly drinking a large amount when you become dehydrated.
7. Pack plenty of food and snacks
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a full-day hike for many people, so don't underestimate your energy requirements.
Choose food that is:
* High in energy
* Easy to eat while walking
* Relatively lightweight
* Not too fragile
* Suitable for the weather
Good options include:
* Muesli or oat bars
* Trail mix
* Nuts and seeds
* Dried fruit
* Bananas
* Sandwiches or wraps
* Chocolate
* Energy bars
* Electrolyte drinks or tablets
It's also worth carrying **more food than you expect to eat**.
If the walk takes longer than planned because of weather, fatigue or track conditions, having extra food gives you a useful safety margin.
We stopped at the South Crater for morning tea to marvel at the rugged volcanic landscape between the volcanos and then enjoyed lunch after traversing the Red Crater and down into the valley near the Emerald Lake. There is also a point to note here do not eat near the Blue Lake as it is culturally insensitive as the area is deemed 'tapu' or sacred.
And remember: pack out everything you pack in.
8. Carry a small first aid kit
You don't need a huge medical kit, but a few essentials are worthwhile.
Consider carrying:
* Plasters
* Blister treatment
* Gauze
* Antiseptic wipes
* Pain relief
* Personal medication
* Tape
* Small bandages
Blister treatment is particularly useful on a long walk.
If you feel a hot spot developing on your foot, deal with it early rather than waiting for a full blister to develop, you will thank us for this advice later.
9. Keep your phone protected
Your phone can be useful for:
Checking weather information
Navigation
Taking photos
Emergency communication
But don't rely on it as your only navigation or safety device.
Keep your phone protected from rain and moisture in a waterproof pouch or dry bag.
A power bank is also a sensible addition, particularly if you'll be using your phone for navigation or photography throughout the day.
10. Take a headlamp
You might be planning to finish well before dark, but a headlamp is still worth carrying.
If something goes wrong and your walk takes considerably longer than expected, daylight can disappear surprisingly quickly.
A small headlamp weighs very little and can be extremely useful in an emergency.
Check the batteries before you leave.
11. Carry navigation equipment
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is well known and generally well signposted, but that doesn't mean you should rely entirely on other walkers or track markers. There are some points where you will double check yourself at the best route as they may not be many people around to follow.
Also weather conditions can reduce visibility dramatically.
Ideally download the relevant maps to your phone before you leave, as mobile coverage cannot be relied upon everywhere.
A physical map can also provide a useful backup and is also a great souvenir of your journey.
Before setting off, make sure you know:
Where the track begins
Where it finishes
The direction you're travelling
Major landmarks
Approximate walking times
Your planned transport arrangements
We recommend organising a pick up by a local shuttle like
Tongariro Expeditions as they will pick you up right at the end and you do not need to rely on your tired legs to take you home.
12. Pack emergency equipment
Most people complete the crossing without incident, but alpine environments require you to be prepared for unexpected situations.
Useful emergency items include:
Emergency blanket
Whistle
Headlamp
First aid kit
Extra food
Extra water
Waterproof layers
Fully charged phone
Power bank
You don't need to carry a huge expedition pack, but you should have enough equipment to stay warm and protected if you are delayed.
13. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitiser
It's a small detail, but one you'll be grateful for.
Carry:
Toilet paper
Hand sanitiser
A small sealable rubbish bag
Use designated toilet facilities where available, they are basic and don't have running water but they are also spread out at manageble distances so if you plan properly you will not be caught out.
Please don't leave toilet paper or other rubbish on the track.
14. Use a comfortable backpack
A 20–30 litre daypack will generally give you enough space for the essentials without encouraging you to bring your entire house with you.
Look for:
Comfortable shoulder straps
A waist belt
A chest strap
Water-resistant construction or a pack liner
Multiple accessible pockets
Put items you'll need during the walk, such as water, snacks, sunscreen and your rain jacket, somewhere easy to reach.
A waterproof pack liner or dry bags can also help keep your spare clothing and other essentials dry.
What NOT to pack for the Tongariro Crossing
It's just as useful to know what you don't need.
Avoid filling your pack with:
Heavy unnecessary clothing
Large amounts of unnecessary equipment
Bulky camera gear unless you're genuinely going to use it
Excessive food
Cotton clothing
Heavy shoes as a backup
Anything you haven't tested before the hike
Every extra kilogram is something you'll be carrying for hours.
Think light, practical and prepared.