New Zealand

Tongariro Crossing with Kids: Our 11-Hour Family Hike

Tongariro Crossing with Kids: Our 11-Hour Family Hike

Our family’s Tongariro crossing film · Full film (14 min 38 sec)

▶Watch full film 14 min 38 sec

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The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was a big day for the three of us who went: my husband, our daughter Lucy, who was 12 at the time, and me. We have five kids, but only Lucy joined us for this hike.

The crossing took us about 11 hours. We were slow, sore, and very ready to see the end. We did not pass anyone; a lot of hikers passed us. The views made the effort worthwhile, but that “day hike” took our whole day.

What the Tongariro Crossing was like for us

We went in early June and saw snow on the course. The weather was good for our hike, but it was still winter and the scenery was very exposed. At the time, the posted distance we followed was 19.4 km.

There was a steep climb toward Red Crater, a loose descent, and the Emerald and Blue Lakes—my favorite views of the day. After Blue Lake, the route kept going downhill through long switchbacks and then a forested section. By then, even stairs felt like work. We took our time, were passed by other hikers, and finished sore. Our day took around 11 hours.

Trail and mountain views from our hike · Scene from our earlier visit (23 sec)

▶Watch scene from our earlier visit 23 sec

Why we chose to bring Lucy

At the time, a local advised us against bringing a younger child, so we chose to hike with our 12-year-old. We did see other children on the track, some younger than Lucy, but that was simply what we saw on our visit.

We talked beforehand about how long the day could be, what she would carry, and when we might take breaks. We had done shorter hikes together, packed most things the night before, and brought a favorite snack for the trail. We took breaks, then got going again before we got too comfortable sitting down.

At the high point of our crossing · Scene from our earlier visit (29 sec)

▶Watch scene from our earlier visit 29 sec

Weather, preparation, and respect for the place

Weather was the biggest factor we considered. The crossing is exposed, and poor visibility or changing conditions can make a mountain route dangerous. Read the current forecast and DOC alerts before you go, and follow signs and staff guidance on the day. Do not continue if conditions or official advice say to turn back.

We also want to be respectful visitors. The mountains are culturally significant to Māori. Follow DOC guidance about where you may walk and how to care for the place; do not climb peaks or enter areas that are closed or culturally restricted.

Our own list included water, sun protection, a hat, layers, gloves, sturdy footwear, hiking poles, and blister bandages. We had packed 3 liters of water each because that was what we were told, and later felt the extra weight. I would check current DOC guidance and conditions before choosing your own gear and water plan.

The loose descent on our visit · Scene from our earlier visit (21 sec)

▶Watch scene from our earlier visit 21 sec

Getting to the start and arranging a shuttle

The crossing is point to point, so the start and finish are in different places. We were staying in Turangi and drove to the end area, then took a shuttle to the start. Our arrangement left us with an extra 2–3 km walk after the hike. We were exhausted, and sunset had passed while my husband went to retrieve the car after a kind passerby offered him a ride.

That last stretch is the part I would plan more carefully next time. Confirm where your vehicle will be, where the shuttle will drop you, pickup deadlines, and how you will get between the finish and your car. Before you go, confirm the current parking and shuttle arrangement, finish point, and pickup plan with DOC and your shuttle provider.

Would a guide help?

We usually do things without a guide because it can be hard to predict how the kids will do, and I know I would feel pressure to keep up. On the crossing, we saw guided groups with people spread out along the track. A guide may be helpful for planning and support, but we did not book one and cannot recommend a particular company. The earlier post mentioned Tongariro Guided Walks as one place to start comparing options.

Where we stayed

We were already staying in Turangi and were glad to be nearby. Taupō, about 45 minutes away by our old estimate, was another option. The earlier post linked a lodge near National Park Village, Powderhorn Chateau in Ohakune, Braxmere near Tokaanu, and places in Turangi. Those were examples we had collected at the time, not current endorsements; check location, shuttle access, availability, and price for your dates.

• Tongariro Crossing Lodge
• Powderhorn Chateau
• Braxmere
• River Birches

Would I do the crossing again with a child?

I am proud of the three of us for completing the day, and I am also honest about how tiring it was. This was not a casual walk, and a child’s presence on the trail is not proof that it is right for another family. I would begin with DOC’s current guidance, watch the weather closely, and make a conservative decision based on the people in our group that day.