Tackling the Tongariro Crossing with a Baby: A Family-Fueled Adventure Redefined
Embarking on the Tongariro Crossing with a baby might seem like a Herculean task to many, but with the right preparation and mindset, it transforms into an extraordinary family adventure. Covering the 19.4 km of this iconic trek through New Zealand's awe-inspiring volcanic landscape, our family found the experience not just manageable but surprisingly enjoyable. Here's an enriched guide on how we tackled the Tongariro Crossing with our little one, finishing in 7 hours and finding the journey easier than anticipated, with only the final stretch testing our limits.
How to make the most of the Tongariro Crossing “Mount Doom” as a family
Planning and Preparation
Choosing the Right Shuttle Service
One of our initial steps was securing a shuttle service that accommodates families with small children or toddlers. Not all services at Tongariro National Park are equipped for young adventurers, primarily due to safety and comfort considerations. Fortunately, we found a shuttle offering a family package, ensuring a smooth and flexible ride to and from the crossing, catering specifically to the needs of families. We went with Trongariro Expeditions after quite some research.
Packing the Essentials
Appropriate packing was key to our successful trek. Despite encountering reviews about hikers running out of water or snacks, we decided to overprepare. For our group, bringing 2 to 3 liters of water per person was more than adequate. Our supplies included high-energy snacks, sufficient baby food, diapers, a change of clothes for the baby, and essential first aid items. Given the unpredictable mountain weather, layering up was crucial for comfort and safety. Fortunately for us we got wonderful weather.
The Journey Itself on Tongariro
Favorable Weather Conditions
We were blessed with a very sunny day for our crossing, which played a significant role in making our trek enjoyable. The clear weather not only allowed us to experience the full beauty of the trail's diverse landscape—from its active volcanic terrain and emerald lakes to vast craters—but also ensured that the path was well-lit and easy to navigate. The well-marked trails, coupled with the excellent weather, provided a sense of security and ease as we navigated the crossing with our baby.
Availability of Facilities
The availability of toilets along the trail was a welcome surprise, making the journey more comfortable, especially for a family. This convenience, which we hadn't fully anticipated, was a relief and contributed significantly to the smoothness of our trek. Small advice: don’t wait after the blue lake as you might end up queuing quite a bit as everyone has the same plan.
The Trek Experience
Kicking off not so early in the morning (9am), we embarked on our journey through the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The trek's initial segments were surprisingly easy to navigate with a baby, thanks to the clear weather and well-indicated paths. We didn’t take too many breaks, mostly just a big one for lunch and a couple of bathroom’s stops.
The difficult parts did not feel too difficult as they aren’t too lengthy (despite the scary signs about helicopter rescues being expensive) and the constant change in landscape distracts you well from the fatigue.
As expected, the final part of the trek proved more challenging as the day's fatigue set in. Despite this, the sense of achievement upon completing the crossing was pretty good. Finishing in 7 hours, the experience was less daunting than we had imagined.
Additional Tips for Families
Embrace the Early Start: Maximizing your day and avoiding the afternoon rush starts with an early morning trek.
Maintain a Steady Pace: When trekking with a baby, pacing yourselves and taking frequent breaks is crucial. Attune to the needs of your body and your baby.
Hydration and Nutrition are Key: Ensure ample water and snacks for the entire family, including baby-appropriate nourishments.
Prepare for All Weather Conditions: Quick weather changes demand layered clothing and protective gear.
Opt for a Family-Friendly Shuttle: A shuttle service that caters to families can significantly smooth out your adventure's logistics.
Wrapping Up
The Tongariro Crossing stands as a formidable challenge, yet with meticulous planning and a positive mindset, it's a profoundly rewarding experience for families, even those with babies. Our adventure across this majestic landscape underscores that outdoor explorations need not be paused for young children; they merely require additional planning and adaptability. If the Tongariro Crossing is on your family's adventure list, we hope our story inspires and guides you towards your own unforgettable journey.
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