❄️MIDWINTER - Tongariro Four Craters Tour

Days: Sat 23 Aug - Mon 25 Aug

Route plan: A day touring (or admiring from a distance) all four of the volcanic craters, via Hardman's Ridge.

Day 1 - Drive up from Welly to the Mangatepopo carpark, stopping in Ohakune for dinner and a browse of a good op-shop for cheap gear https://ethicalwaste.co.nz/. Walk 30 mins up to the Mangatepopo Hut. It's a serviced hut outside of Great Walk season.

Day 2 - Start at 7am and head up Hardman's Ridge, towards Mt Tongariro (Avoid the summit itself as it's taonga to Ngati Tuwharetoa) then up the North Crater, then back down towards the Central Crater for some of the best photo spots. Check out the Red Crater, then return to Mangatepopo Hut along whichever route is most suitable (keeping in mind avalanche and snowpack hazard assessments)

Day 3 -  Free day. Could relax in the hut, or head back up to Hardman's Ridge to play around in the snow. At some point we'll head to the Tokaanu hot pools, then drive back down to Welly.

Difficulty: Medium. Fairly long day, decent level of fitness needed. Foundational snow experience (crampons, axes, traversal, etc.) strongly recommended but not required. The Alpine area and upper reaches of Hardman's Ridge will have moderate snow cover. Intended to be an easier trip compared to the other big mishes. Weather and avalanche risk dependent, of course.

Max People: Probs like 3 cars (12 people-ish) max, as long as we have some others with mountaineering experience. Need drivers since I'm vehicularly challenged and don't have a car :( Mangatepopo Hut sleeps 20 (24 on the floors of the main room) so we'll carry some tents in the car just in case, it's a quick walk back to the roadend if the hut is full.

Gear: Overnight tramping gear, plus snow gear - sunglasses, waterproof coat and pants and gloves, stiff three quarter shank boots or better. Lots of warm layers. Crampons, Ice Axes, and Helmets can be borrowed from the club, possibly gaiters. Bring your own breakfasts and lunches, dinner will be shared.