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We have seen some really beautiful places today!
We started off watching the sun rise over Lake Taupo. We then had to drive for an hour to get to Ketetahi in the Tongariro National Park. This was the end point of today's trek, The Tongariro Crossing, and we had booked onto the 7.30 shuttle bus to take us to Mongatepopo at the start.
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the most popular day treks in New Zealand, with over 1,000 people crossing each day. It is so popular because of the stunning and varying scenery along the route. The crossing is 19.6km and takes 6-7 hours. It is rated as challenging but really, how hard can it be??
The first 4km were nice and gentle and we spent a long time admiring the scenary. We were walking in bright sunshine, above the clouds, and our backdrop was the snowy peaks of Mt Ruapehu. Then, we started climbing the base of Mt Ngauruhoe, the newest and highest volcano on the trek (better known as Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings) which was really hard going. It was possible to climb to the peak of Ngauruhoe itself but this took an additional 3 hrs and we had been warned that it was really very difficult so we decided against it. Besides, the peak was in cloud so there would be no view from the top!
We eventually reached the South Crater, the peak of our first volcano, at 1,660m tall. Hurrah! The climb had been really tough so we felt proud of ourselves! Walking through the South Crater was easy going and a good rest before the next climb to the Red Crater at 1,886m tall. By this point we were in cloud. All of the rocks were volcanic and very difficult to climb and it was slow going. Even the most experienced walkers were finding it hard. Finally, we reached the top! The Red Crater was really deep and full of ash. It's walls were black and red and still steaming and there was a huge hole where it last erupted. It was amazing to be looking down at a volcanic crater and we decided to stop here for lunch. It was a little nerve wracking as Mt Doom rumbled three or four times whilst we were up there so we moved quickly on!
Next we walked the last 100m or so to the very peak of the Red Crater and started our descent which I really didn't like (and Claire loved!). We had to walk down a really steep knife edge covered in ash (so no grip) with a huge drop into volcanic craters on either side. You had to slide rather than walk. The scenery here was really amazing, with the three emerald lakes (see picture) ahead and clouds below, but I honestly thought I was going to fall to my death and was very glad to get to the lakes.
After the Red Crater we passed the Emerald Lakes and then the Blue Lake and started our descent properly. This was slow going and crossed many thermal areas with sulphur and steam bellowing out of the ground. Eventually we found signs of life as we left the volcanic rock behind and the last 3km were through dense forest land, next to the white waters of a stream. It was really fascinating to see how quickly the scenery changed.
We finished the trek in just over 6 hours which we were pleased with. It really was hard work and definitely a challenge but totally worth it!
Next we drove back to Lake Taupo and had a half hour nap by the lake. The weather today has been gorgeous, nothing like the last few days so it was nice to enjoy the sun. Here we also saw a family of black swans. They seem very common here!
Once rested, we drove to Napier, on the east coast. The road crossed several mountain ranges and was very pretty. We arrived at our hostel in Napier at 6ish and checked in. The hostel is the opposite of last nights and seems like an old school place but very friendly. Best of all we have a sea view!
Napier is an art deco town and is so quaint and lovely but seems to be deserted! We went to find some dinner and after walking for ages the only place open was Subway, so that had to do. It tasted amazing though! We went for a quick walk along the beach and then headed for bed. It's been a tiring day and we've been up since 5! Zzzzzz!
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