What to Pack for the
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of those hikes where what you carry can make or break your day. When you start the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, you’ll quickly realise this is not a hike where you can “just wing it.” The weather changes fast, the terrain is exposed, and there are no shops, shelters, or easy exit points along the way.
Packing smart is essential.
Table of Contents
Clothing
Dress for all four seasons in one day
When you begin the hike, it might feel calm and cool. A few hours later, you could be dealing with strong winds, cold temperatures, rain or summer heat and scorching sun. The key idea: layering is everything. You’ll constantly add and remove layers as you climb and descend. You should wear:
- Moisture-wicking base layers (avoid cotton)
- A warm mid-layer (fleece or lightweight insulated jacket)
- A waterproof and windproof outer shell
- Comfortable hiking pants or leggings (not jeans)
- A hat or cap for sun protection
- Gloves and a beanie (especially in shoulder seasons)
Footwear
The terrain is volcanic, loose, and often steep — especially on the descent from Red Crater and descent to Ketetahi. Slipping on loose volcanic scree is one of the most common issues on the descent. You’ll want:
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with strong grip
- Good ankle support (recommended but not essential)
- Broken-in footwear (this is not the place for new shoes)
Food & Water
There are no reliable water sources along the trail, so everything must be carried from the start. There is no shop or stall or vending machine anywhere near the trail either, so bring food with you. Have:
- At least 2–3 litres of water per person
- High-energy snacks (nuts, bars, fruit, sandwiches)
- Electrolytes (optional but helpful on longer hikes)
You’ll burn a lot more energy than expected due to wind, altitude, and constant movement.
Essential Gear
A few items can make a huge difference in comfort and safety:
- Sunscreen (UV exposure is intense at altitude)
- Sunglasses (glare off volcanic rock is strong)
- Trekking poles (especially useful for descent)
- Small backpack (20–30L is ideal)
- Phone or camera (fully charged + power bank)
- Map or offline GPS (trail is well-marked but long)
- Waterproof backpack cover
Weather Protection
Weather is one of the biggest factors on this hike. Conditions can shift from clear skies to strong winds and rain within minutes, especially near the ridge and Red Crater. The DOC and other organisations revolving around Tongariro are constantly issuing warnings about hiking in unstable weather conditions. Many people show up utterly under-prepared for the hike. The hike is truly no joke, and seeing people doing it in all-stars and crocs is a mockery.
Always pack:
- Lightweight rain jacket (even if the forecast looks good)
- Warm layer for sudden temperature drops
Optional but Useful
- Blister plasters or basic first aid kit
- Extra socks (dry change for after the hike)
- Small towel or (wet) wipes
- Plastic bag for wet or dirty gear and trash
What NOT to Bring
- Heavy bags or unnecessary gear
- Jeans or cotton clothing
- Unsupportive shoes (like sneakers with smooth soles, Crocs, All-Stars)
- Too much food or bulky items
Remember: everything you carry, you’ll feel for 6–9 hours.
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More New Zealand Blog Posts
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