Tongariro Alpine Crossing

I have been longing to get out into the beautiful untouched nature of New Zealand, to hike to places I have seen only on pictures, to what they call “Lord of The Rings” nature. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19,4 km, 7-8 hours alpine trek around, along and over volcano’s. First along the base of Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom in Lord of The Rings!) and then climbing up to the rim of Mt Tongariro, across South Crater, then along Red Crater and down to Emerald Lakes before we made it all the way down to the valley where buses waiting to pick us up.

The track is said to be the number one best day hike in New Zealand. The scenery is stunningly beautiful. The sky was blue and it did not pour down for the first time in days, which  meant that some 400 people were waiting to go. Sophie and Sabrina from Denmark, Becky from England and I were  prepared for a long and strenuous day, equipped with water, food and rain coats in case the weather should change. We were a little concerned about the length of the hike but by the time we passed this sign, the spirits were high and nothing could make us turn around. 

South Crater

Mt Doom  

Red Crater

Half way!

 Emerald Lakes

Back at the YHA, exhausted and sore but utterly content and proud that we made it, grateful for having seen such wonders of nature, we enjoyed a glass of wine while watching the last sunrays color the snow covered top of Mt Ruapehu  - the not so extinct volcano that erupted last time in 2007. You can see it in the background behind the giant kiwi.

Sweet as...