Tongariro’s risky tracks
Selfie-seekers desperate to add the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to their albums can now see how treacherous the track can be before taking it on.
A video, which gives an overview of how to prepare for the popular but potentially risky track, has been released just two weeks after a death on the crossing.
Halehally-Chikkanna, from India, died after being separated from the three other men he was on the crossing with.
His body was found between Red Crater and South Crater.
Shortly after his death questions were asked about how tourists could be better warned of the potential dangers of the track.
‘‘For the first time, participants are able to explore the track before they set out,’’ Mountain Safety Council communications manager Nick Kingstone said of the new videos.
Each video covers off what the track looks like, where the mountain passes are and where the track travels on a 3D map.
It also has advice on the best time of year to do the track, the equipment necessary and handy tips on avoiding known hazards.
‘‘Having a video showcasing the risk factors when it comes to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing might just be able to save lives.’’
Kingstone said the videos were timely given the recent death and other statistics from the Transport Accident Commission which show that between 2015 and 2017, 690 people were injured crossing the alpine crossing and 120 people – 66 per cent tourists, 34 per cent Kiwis – had to be rescued.
‘‘If you’ve never had any experience, or got an idea of what you are in for, it’s really hard to get a context,’’ Kingstone said.
‘‘These videos enable people to get a context of what they are attempting. They have been built with both domestic and international audiences in mind so if you know of friends who are keen on coming to NZ or from another region of New Zealand please send them a link.’’
The video series has been a collaborative effort between Mountain Safety and its partners to help visitors understand what to expect and how to prepare.
The Department of Conservation has provided input into the video series from sites around the country.
‘‘People must take responsibility for their safety in outdoors and ensure they are prepared,’’ DOC community ranger Stacey Faire said.
‘‘The Tongariro Alpine Crossing video will help our mainly international visitors understand the risks of visiting an alpine environment such as – how cold it can get, how quickly the weather can change and the need to be well prepared for the hike.
‘‘Safety is of paramount importance and we want visitors to have a memorable trip for the right reasons.
DOC tourism marketing team lead Meryl Jupp was excited to see the videos finally released.
‘‘Our staff have added their local knowledge through the development and are excited to use these videos when they go live.
‘‘They give a wonderfully visual overview of the track and offer good advice on how to prepare accordingly.
‘‘New Zealand’s alpine regions are stunningly beautiful, but they can be tough and uncompromising teachers. If you’ve ever been caught out when the weather rolls in above the tree-line you’ll have an idea of how fast it can change.’’
The MetService has also provided weather information.
‘‘The weather plays a crucial role in any trip in the outdoors and is essential in our alpine regions where precipitation can fall as snow during any season, and high winds may get funnelled up and around mountains,’’ general manager of meteorological operations, Ramon Oosterkamp, said.
‘‘Anyone venturing into alpine regions of New Zealand need to have a good idea of what’s in store, as well as knowledge of local conditions that may be specific to that region.’’
The videos can be viewed on the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Facebook page.
‘‘New Zealand’s alpine regions are stunningly beautiful, but they can be tough and uncompromising teachers.’’
DOC tourism marketing team lead Meryl Jupp