Although this may not seem to be an important subject, one thing all us parents agreed was that with limited toilets on the track - if you see one use it! Children have the belief that there will always be one available and a couple of the children thought there would be one at the top of the climb. There is NOT - which meant that for a couple of trampers the climb down was done somewhat in a hurry, for obvious reasons.

We were lucky on the day of the climb that the weather was magnificent with blue sky and no wind. However, we must stress that this is an alpine walk and weather can change very quickly. You must be prepared for the changeable alpine conditions with appropriate warm and windproof clothing, and tramping boots.  Some of the children wore sandshoes, and these children complained of very sore feet at the end. But please don't buy a pair of tramping boots and use them for the very first time when you do the walk. Tramping boots do need to be broken in an; eight-hour tramp is not the place to have blisters from new shoes!

The complete walk took us around eight hours. Sore knees and feet was one of the most common complaints from nearly all of our walkers. Oh and for some, sore muscles the next day. One of the most rewarding aspects of the whole tramp was the pride the children had in themselves. Their faces just lit up when they told their friends and teachers what they had achieved.

What to bring:

Clothing: You need to be prepared for changeable alpine weather with tramping boots, windproof and, rainproof jacket, trousers, and warm layers, warm hat and gloves.  Cotton clothing is not suitable in alpine conditions, this includes jeans.

Medication: Those that have medical conditions should make sure that they are medically fit and able to make the climb and where necessary take medication with them.

Food:  Take plenty of food and water. There are NO shops on the track. Each of our children carried two medium size water bottles with them and all finished off the water. No need to think of calorie restrictions here. Think of food that will keep them going and make sure you take a rubbish bag with you.  All rubbish must come back with you.

First aid kit: Each of our team leaders had a first aid kit. Cuts and scrapes are common especially for those not use to the volcanic rocky conditions.

Sun smart: Don't forget a sun hat, sun block and sunglasses - just because it is alpine doesn't mean you won't get burnt by the sun.

Recommend Links:

http://www.doc.govt.nz Covers Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngaruruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.

http://www.chateau.co.nz/Bayview_Chateau_Tongariro The Chateau has family accommodation available.