The main aim is to do 45 Km over four days anticlockwise Tongariro circuit through walk. The views along the track are fantastic. The track traverses rain forest, alpine sections, volcanic ash and rocky sections. Climbing to Emerald lakes from Oturere hut is gradual except a short scramble on the ridge leading to the lakes, The hardest section is going up on loose volcanic soil from emerald lakes to the top of red crater. The walks are suitable for most of club members. We will stay in accommodation for 10 Days and do the walks as weather permits.
Flying to Auckland on the 12-th of February, hire a van and drive to National Park Village, where we will be staying in two bunked rooms (one for males and one for females). There is a well-stocked minimarket close by and their prices are quite reasonable. There is also a bar (just next door) serving variety of meals and drinks and free reliable WIFI.
Bring cooking pot, serving plates, utensils for the through walk and your daily needs of food for the walks (or buy from the shop). The huts are equipped with gas cookers, washing sink, soup and brush. There are also matrices.
If we were struck with bad weather, we will do easy walks (like Tama lakes, Silica Rapids and Tupapakura Falls) in bad weather until we get a good window for the through walk.
If time permits we might drive to visitor center at Mount Ruapehu and catch the chair lift up to café at 2100m to enjoy a good meal. The venue offers fantastic views of mt Ruapehu. There is a possibility (weather permitting) of doing a very short very steep walk up to one of the jagged peaks to enjoy a panoramic view of Tongariro peaks
Costs estimations:
Flights: $800 Return PP
Car Hire (10 Seater): NZD 2000.00 (NZD 200PP)
Accommodation: $36 Per night PP (total 360 PP)
Huts: NZD 66 Per Hut PP ( total NZD 198 PP)
Chair Lift NZD 49 PP
Total will be around AUD 1650 PP excluding food and car fuel.