Lord of the Walks

Wednesday.  We woke to the sounds of our alarm at 05:10.  Today we would be tackling the Tongariro Crossing.  Here's a few brief facts about the crossing:  18.5km, 7-8 hours to complete, ascent of 1886m, described as the best one-day hike in NZ which takes in active volcanic areas of Tongario National Park, saddles between Mount Tongario and Mount Ngauruhoe, drops down to vivid Emerald lakes and beautiful epic scenery.  Also, here's a few warnings: weather is extremely changeable, be prepared for cold and hot weather, bring first aid kit, warm clothing and cell phone and do not attempt if you do not think you are fit enough.  So naturally we were excited, a little nervous but anxious to see the sights and complete it.  Another fact, as mentioned previously, is that this was the location for Mordor in LOTR. 

After a sleepy bus ride to the Manatepopo car park, we begun at 07:50.  The scenery was already amazing.  The morning clouds getting burned up by the rising sun.  The first path was no problem.  A bit rocky.  It took us past sparkling spa springs and eventually a cute little waterfall in the mountain side. 

Then the hard stuff started: the ascent.  I seem to be fine with flat walks; I could walk for miles.  But steep ascents really get my blood pumping.  Eventually we got to a viewing platform where we could see the marks of lava flows on Mount Ngauruhoe and it's red crater.  This was the most "Mordory" sight I think.  You can see the pathway we walked up in the below photo...  We then walked through across an ancient crater to yet another ascent. 

At the top of this ascent we could see for miles.  It was gorgeous and never-ending views of mounts and clouds. 

As we passed over the top we were greated by the Emerald lakes.  I've never seen such blue water.  They were a sight to behold.   Now it was time for a descent.  A slippy descent.  Lots of people were sliding down, a few falls (I think Miss Amy Coad fell on her ass once!  Not I though).  I found it was easiest when you found a dust slope and used the slide to your advantage. 

Once down we marched pass the massive Blue Lake which again was blue was the sky.

As we turned around, we could see back where we had come from!  Wow.

After 3 hours of walking we were halfway and approaching lunch but we thought we'd push to towards the Ketetahi Hut (a small hut with well needed loos).  It was a windy path down to the hut and again you were surrounded by landscapes of overwhelming beauty.  In the background you could see a massive lake, which I can't seem to find the name of.  We stopped for a brief lunch cushioned in a grassy hollow on the top of a hill overlooking outstretch views of lakes and mountains.  Then we headed off for our final two hours worth of walk.

This was all descending but was still very difficult as you have to constantly stop yourself from falling forward.  Hurts the old calf muscles you know...  We have to admit that the last 3km dragged a bit.  By this time we were super knackered.  Eventually we reached the Ketetahi carpark to be picked up at 14:50.  Exactly 7 hours including stops.  We were quite proud (we were the first back from our bus).  We had to wait until 16:30 though because one of person in our bus took ages (she was so under prepared, couldn't speak any English, had a stupid handbag with her and plimsole shoes...  We never thought we'd see her again!)

We arrived back at the hostel, had showers, had left overs from the night before, had a beer and went to sleep at 21:00.  It had been quite a day.  Well worth the pain though.