Air NZ had an offer too good to pass up from the U.S., so I'm heading down in June. I want to climb a few peaks while I'm down there if it's not too technical. Was thinking about the Tongariro Crossing, is that something that is conceivable in June? I was thinking of Mt. Ngaurube and Mt. Tongairo or Ruapehu, are these peaks going to be climbable in June? Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Probably best to head over to www.mountainz.co.nz and ask on the Forum there. They're a generally friendly bunch.

I've never climbed on the North Island, but Ruapehu has some ice climbing on it in winter and it can get quite cold and windy there it seems.

http://www.mountainz.co.nz/content/arti ... p?region=1

D

Gday, yep the Tongariro Crossing in June is a mint idea, you will likely have the track to yourself!! Get a good day and it is sweet as.

- Ngauruhoe is a good objective, though you will likely need crampons and an ice axe for some likely sections of ice.

- Tongariro is a small trek to the crater.

- Ruapehu is the North Islander's winter playground. Here you can do anything from snow plods to the summit and stunning crater lake, take on water ice to WI4, traverse any or all of the 12 'summits' upto NZ grade 2+ or if there is enough snow, do the Pinnacles traverse (Whakapapa side).

PM me if you would like more info. Also highly recommend mountainz.co.nz. Some good peeps there too.

Thanks for your input guys. We are getting pretty excited about this trip. We are going to start on the Tongariro Crossing on June 4th and give it a go. Hope we have the chance to climb with some New Zealanders while were there.
Cheers