Warning about tackling Tongariro Crossing in inappropriate gear

Photo / NZ Police

A tramper who tackled the Tongariro Crossing in shorts and running shoes remains in a stable condition in Rotorua Hospital.

The German backpacker was airlifted off the mountain on Wednesday after sliding 50m down an icy slope near the summit of Mt Tongariro and taken to Rotorua Hospital.

Photo / NZ Police

The man suffered injuries to his feet and legs, and was very cold. The air temperature on the mountain was zero degrees, but there was an added wind chill factor.

A police warning about tackling the crossing with inappropriate clothing and gear was backed today by the Department of Conservation's Jonathan Maxwell. He said "people need to take responsibility for themselves on the crossing".

The DoC partnerships manager at Whakapapa said the advice included having the "right experience, skills and knowledge" to do the tramp.

Often people from overseas - particular places such as Europe where they have mountain ranges - don't expect the weather patterns of single mountains like Tongariro, he said.

Photo / NZ Police

"It's like island weather. It can change in an hour or two."

Mr Maxwell said there is plenty of information about the conditions and what to take on the crossing on websites and at information centres, but some people "just don't get it".

The crossing is in a national park, so people can't be turned away from doing the tramp if they aren't properly kitted out.

"Nor would we want to."

Mr Maxwell said it was a very small percentage of people who treated the crossing casually.