We drove further north for a farewell meal with Robert and Liz before an early start for one of our hoped for trip highlights, the Tongairiro Alpine Crossing, a full day trek, supposed to be the best one day tramp in NZ. Its often closed because of it's exposed nature ( Robert and Liz, there for two days before us had missed out) but our luck was in with perfect conditions although this did mean that there were loads of other trampers out. We were told that 2600 was the daily record!
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| Undaunted?! |
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| Mount Ngauruhoe aka Mount Doom |
The backdrop to our 19.4 km walk was Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings plus ancient craters and still lively volcanic activity as well, with the aroma of rotten eggs and steam emerging from the rocks all around us. The first 7 kilometres were gently then more steadily uphill with the summit close to Red Crater. There was then a short steep scree slope descent to the Emerald Lakes and then a long winding descent that at times seemed interminable, eventually leading through an attractive forest.
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| View from the ledge |
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| Red Crater |
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| Emerald Lakes |
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| Snow dusted Mount Ruapehu in the background as we descended |
The stunning colours and extraordinary scenery of the middle section made this one of our best walks ever.
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