Tips on Weather Forecast in New Zealand

Important point to take note/tips:
 
Weather…very…very important to know this

• Always check the weather forecast before you plan and before you start so you will know what to bring
• Different season temperature
• From my experience (I went first week of December which is beginning of summer)…starting point was 9’ degree…highest point at Red Crater was (-2’) degree…end point was 17’ degree
• Best is to wear layers instead of one thick jacket…one coz it will be heavy to carry…two is you can take out or wear it layer by layer when the weather changes

 
Tips: How to check weather forecast…you could go to link below
www.metservice.com/mountain/tongariro-national-park

• Always check “RED CRATER” under “Wind” and “Wind Chill temperature”…”Wind” must be below 50km/h then only they will allow you to go up…”Wind Chill temperature” is for you to prepare your hiking gear….Pleaseeee check carefully as the weather will dropped from bottom start up to Red Crater…will share few other tips below

 
What to bring/wear

• Proper hiking attire depends on weather… Warm clothing layers…woolen or polypropylene thermals and fleece
• Proper hiking shoes/boots…as some parts can be very slippery if you wear normal sport shoes….remember you are trekking over uneven volcanic terrain
• Hand gloves…MUST! Very chilly up there…
• Hiking poles/sticks…1 or 2 it does help a lot…especially if it’s very windy
• Food and Drinking Water – 2-3L…especially in summer and you are planning on completing any of side summit tracks…additional water supplies would be good
• Waterproof and windproof raincoat and trousers
• Hat
• Sunscreen and Sunglasses
• First Aid
• Map
• Phone

 
Transport

• If you are driving on your own…please remember you need park at either start or end point caused it’s a one-way trails…
• So you still need to arrange shuttle to pick up from one point to take to where you park your car
• If you drive…best is to park at Ketetahi Car park…then you arrange pick up from Ketetahi Car park to Mangatepopo Car park
• Easiest is to just take the shuttle…minus point just that you need to follow their pick up time

 
Timing

• Please remember to monitor your trekking time
• Very important…each season is different…if you go during Autumn/Winter or early Spring…day light is shorter…so you don’t have much time as it gets dark early…and some point it will get very dark and they will advice you to finish early…shorter time means you can’t enjoy the view much
• Best time of course in Summer…but mid of Spring would good as well…basically will be between October to February…longer day light…you get to enjoy longer walk

 
Do you need a Guide?

• No…very clear and well maintain tracks…but you must follow the sign la…don’t get too excited and try to be too adventurous pandai-pandai create your own track memang takkkk la sayang…follow je…you won’t get lost there…
• Plus there will be lots of people will be hiking together with you…so make friends and you will be fine
• Alone? Not really a good idea unless you really plan to make new friend and go together with them there…at least you have one more friend to be together…

Worries no more! Just pickup you smartphones and contact Ikhlas Tours Team.