John Wilton Programme Manager Visitor Assets
Above: Contractors “Logic Forest Solutions” working on the deviation laying Jakmat to form a stable base for the new track. Photo: John Wilton
Tongariro Alpine Crossing upgrade work
Great weather over 2007/8 summer season has enabled a substantial section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track to be upgraded and completed well before the onset of winter. Between the head of the Mangetepopo Valley, from Soda Springs to South Crater, the section of track known as the “Devils Staircase” now has a two kilometre new deviation in a sweep from the south of the original track sidling across the lower slopes of Ngauruhoe to rejoin the old track just before the South Crater. At the north end of the Crossing further work has been ongoing between Ketetahi Hut and the bush edge. The old Devils Staircase was a 900 metre unformed track which was showing significant signs of erosion from the 60,000 pairs of feet that trudged up it each year. With an average gradient in excess of 20 degrees and many parts over 40 degrees the term staircase fitted well. On a fine day the long trail of bunched climbers clearly indicated the route to those following. Various paths had formed and in many parts the route taken had become spread of a wide area. The new track now takes trampers on a more gentle gradient with an average gradient of ten degrees. Where steps are required properly formed in-ground steps at 26 degrees link the sections of formed pathway.
Tongariro the Annual
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