Tongariro Crossing Hike

Early start and a fantastic breakfast that was included at the hotel. One of the best and very European. Terry- the owner of the guide service we used picked us up at the hotel at 8:45 and drove us to the start of the crossing. We met our guide, Julian and another couple from Alaska that would be joining us. WE grabbed our lunches, snacks and hiking poles and started. There are so many warning signs about the length and difficulty of the hike before you leave. A little over 12 miles. It will take us all day. Hike started off flat and we hiked throughlarge lava fields. The last eruption was in 1975.




We hiked up some sections of stairs that never seemd to end. We could see more lava remains and the mountain was on our right.




WE reached a huge, flat crater. It was massive. Then it was time to hike up again on a very rocky trail. Julian told us stories about various eruptions. Some were lava while some were just smoke and gas. One eruption spit out huge boulders that traveled great distances.






The trail was broken into 4 parts, so we did have moments to rest. We thought we had reached th top, but no. We were at the Red Crater and we still had more to climb.




At the top, the views were amazing. We could see where lava had flowedand then stopped. It formed a circular area. There were also bright blue and green lakes. Color is due to various minerals in the water. They look toxic. We had lunch at the lakes. It was a slow and slippery way down the scree. It was like skiing on the way down.






The day was hot, then cold and windy depending where were were. Lots of clothes on and clothes off. After lunch we hiked to the blue lake and up the other side. The trail took us along the side of the mountain and slow switchbacks down. It got cloudy but never rained. Our final hike was along a very fast moving creek to the car park where our ride back to the hotel was waiting. Total hike took us about 8 hours with stops and photo stops.







WE returned with only 35 minutes before our dinner reservations. Quick shower. We ordered the Chateaubriand for two.They brought out a 9 x 13 dish with the meat and roasted vegetables.(carrots, sweet potato, parsnips, green beans, zucchini) NZ beef is the BEST. 2 tiny pitchers of sauces and fresh bread. Everything was sooo good. Exhausted and full, it was off to bed early.

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