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Today was the famous Tongariro crossing tramp, we booked this via The Adventure lodge which was a good deal. The day started at 7.00am with a full English breakfast and coffee as part of the tour. Stevie and I then geared up with our walking boots and coats before we were transported to the start of the route.
The Hostel was in the valley so when we left there was low laying fog, but when we reached the starting point at 11:00am it was clear and very busy.
The begining of the route was very busy and was like a walking train, however feeling good we ventured in to the national park. The first part of the walk up to the Mangatepopo Hut was fairly easy and the route marked out with a walking deck path. There were a couple of porter loos here and the crowds were large, the whole area smelled like a dirty toilet. It wasnt a place where Stevie and I wanted to stopped to we headed towards the Soda spring. To be honest the soda spring was not really that impressive, especially when you have seen all the other springs around NZ.
We then headed up to the South crater, before we continued the walk there was a sign that said this part of the route was very difficult, probably why they named it Devils staircase. It was really tiring climing around 300m pretty much straight up. Stevie and I stopped several times on the way up not just because it was hard, but because the views looking west to Mt Taranaki were amazing. Seeing the summit appear above the clouds. I wish I never forgot the camera because the ipad would not do these views justice.
When we though we had reached the top, a new zenith would appear, then another. We finally reached the south crater. It could be mistaken for an old volcano but apparently this mammoth basin formed from ice. The views of Mt Ngauruhoe were awesome. It looked so steep. Deep down i wanted to climb it, but knew we didnt have enough time. We headed across the basin to the red crater, as we climbed out the basin we stopped for lunch. Which was provided as part of the tour, it was a decent portion too, sandwhiches, fruit, chocolates, cake and 2ltres of water. The views panned out to the east and west looking over the Oturere Valley, Rangipo desert and the Kaimanawa ranges.
Before we reached the Red Crater we decided to do a spinter route to reach the Mt Tongariro Summit, it was only another hour on to the route. On the way we saw more peaks piercing the clouds. It was difficult heading cross the ash ridge. Stevies hip started playing up so she turned back and waited for me with our bags while I made a sprint to the summit. I had to reach one summit today. Its just my nature. I need to reach the top. I was gutted that I couldn't take on Mt Ngauruhoe so wanted this one. Surprisingly Stevie was alot closer than she thought. I reached the 1,967m summit in no time. Took a few snaps and admired the view before heading back to the Red crater. I managed to catch up with Stevie as she arrived at the Red crater.
The Red crater looked amazing too, the cliffs were steep and walking along the ridge was windy. I think the red was the iron in the rock. Coming down from the Red crater was alot of fun for me, it was a slippery 50m ash slope which headed down to the famous emerald lake, it loved sliding down the ash and dust flying everywhere. Steve took a more delicate slower approach, clearly not in her comfort zone.
The emerald lake was beautiful. In the distance steam rose from the volcanic vents, a hint of sulphur was in the air at times. We stopped here for a small break and empty all the ash out of our boots.
We contiune on the track over a ridge that lead to the blue lake. The ridge gave stunning views of Mt Tongariro, the Red Crater and historic lava flows which could be clearly seen in the Central Crater (hopefully the ipad picked this up).
From here we statred our walk back, passed the blue lake. After the blue lake the scenary pretty much changed from a baron rock landscape to shrubs and forested areas. The track become a lambrinth of zigzag tracks down to Ketechahi Hut, which we darted to as Stevie needed the toilet. Before we entered the area, we past warning signs that said we were entering a active volcano area. You could see the steam rising from the volcano on the left of the track. If the steam turned to black smoke we would have had to leave immediately. Ahead of us was another great view. When the clouds cleared we could see lake Rotoaira and lake Taupo.
The last leg of our journey was heading to Ketetahi carpark through a forest and across the Mangatetipua stream. This last part of the crossing felt like it took forever. 7hrs and 20-something Km or so later we both had completed the crossing. Mission complete. We took our shoes off and got our energy back while we waited for our picked. You could see our pick up coming, she loved driving fast and we could see the dust rising in the distance as she speed down the gravel track.
With the mini bus full we headed back to the motel. We relaxed in a nice spa before dinner. Dinner also a part of the package was 3 course and the mains was steak. Amazing! tired we quickily retired to our room to rest fully.
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