1st February 2019 - Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The day started early! A 6.15 alarm call so that we could have breakfast and get to the National Park village to be ready to leave at 8. It was very overcast and as we drove we ran into drizzle. Not a good start for a days hike! Our guide was not deterred and was confident that by the time we reached Soda Springs the sun would be breaking through.

The crossing is one of the top day walks in the world as specified by the National Geographic. At 19.4 km long and with 756m of ascent, and more descent as you come down to a lower point than when you started, it is a decent walk. Alex, you would absolutely love this! Anna, I hope you would too, but having never walked with you I cant be sure!

We were told early on that this is quite an active volcanic area. Mt. Ngauruhoe (aka Mt. Doom from Lord of the Rings), erupted in 1970, Mt. Ruapehu in 1996 and Mt. Tongariro in 2012. In places there was steam escaping from vents, and as we came off Mt. Tongariro you could feel the heat coming from it.

The first few kilometres were easy on a well marked track, but frustrating with the low cloud, albeit some glimpses of sunshine.

The devils staircase was a long slog up, with lots of steps and when we got to the rim of the south crater the cloud had worsened, so we could see even less! The wind had increased too and it was very blowy!

We then walked over this crater and as the cloud lifted again you could really see the size of it.

We were heading to the ridge in the distance, so the second climb of the day. Not as hard going as the first but by the time we got to the top the wind was really strong. At this point you are standing at the top of Tongariro’s crater, but I didn’t take a photo as I was concentrating on standing upright!

Once at the top the weather cleared and we had fabulous views down to the Emerald and blue lakes. However I was more taken with the descent at this point. Very steep. All loose scree. My favourite!! There was a knack to it however, and once I had followed the guides instructions about the path to take, got down without incident. There must be a photo of this, but not taken by me! Check out the gallery!

We sat for lunch just below the summit and then set off for our last climb of the day to take us around Tongariro and then the long descent.

So, did we enjoy it? Of course, in that bizarre sort of way that comes with achieving something challenging! Some stunning views and an appetite for the next meal!

On arrival at the end of the trek the minibus was waiting, and low and behold one of these!

Now that was a good end to the day!