Tongariro Alpine Crossing, North Island, New Zealand

Woke up early to check the weather- winds were about 35km/h- dangerous to go with anything above 60km/h and with 3mm expected precipitation we were cleared to head out!

It was about a 30 min bus drive to the Mangatepop end of the Track. Great views, excitement and checking and double checking I had all my snacks, jackets, gloves and hats just in case the weather turned.

Immediately felt at home following behind Laura and Daniela, my hiking buddies for the day.  Pretty easy and breathtaking walk through the meadow to Soda Springs.

This was the last picture for a while because the climb from Soda Springs to South Crater is known as the devils staircase. We climbed from 1400 to 1600 meters above sea level real fast.  The views give you a good excuse to make frequent stops and you can see Mt Taranaki out to the west.

On the last climb section I started to feel really out of breathe (I imagine its what asthma feels like).  I had to sit down and stay behind for a few.  If it wasnt for my snickers I dont think i could have carried on.  Seriously, this hike was 100% powered by snickers!

. South Crater, its actually not a crater but a basin carved out by the old glaciers and filled by volcanic debris.  It really felt like a UFO landing spot.

After you have crossed South Crater there is a climb onto an exposed ridge.   The track follows the ridge northward towards Red Crater.

Just before you reach red crater, the route to the summit of Tongariro heads off to the left, while the main track continues around Red Crater’s narrow rim. 

This is a spectacular part of the walk but I bet it can be pretty scary on a windy day.

Coming down from the Red Crater was the hardest and scariest part for me. Its steep with loose, black, volcanic rock moving under you.  To the right are the Emerald Lakes, which are small explosion pits, the bright blue/green color of the water is from minerals leaking in from the surrounding rock and the vents like the one pictured above leak out the sulfurous smell

Once past the blue lake there is a change as you walk through a narrow track onto the northern slopes of Tongariro with views of Mt Pihanga, Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupo.

lava rocks busted through the roof and floor!

One of the huts you could take shelter in during a sudden storm, doesn't look like the best option!

And just when you think you are done, its like two more hour through a Forrest! But completely worth it!