Day 7 Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The alarm clock goes off at 05:30. We go to the office at 6 o'clock. Book the shuttle to the starting point at 8 o'clock. The bus departs unusually punctually for New Zealand and the bus driver explains to us at the drop-off point how to find the bus at the destination and that she will not leave if someone is missing. In case of doubt, you should just ask someone who looks like a bus driver where to go. She's really funny! She goes one step further and asks if everyone understood. Everyone says yes. She then says that it's the first time everyone understood. And promptly someone asks if she could explain it again...

The weather forecast was mediocre, but our bus driver assures us of a beautiful day. The ascent over your lava fields is challenging. Some people really sweat there even at the beginning of the 20 km and over 1000 meters of altitude. There are also the most peculiar equipment, from sneakers to transparent blouses for the girls or shorts for the boys or Japanese people in moon boots! In the so-called Red Crater, the wind is blowing at minus 3 degrees, even I put on my Gore-Tex jacket and winter hat. The highest point is reached at almost 1900 meters. A look into the volcano's abyss and a few photos, and then we continue. With a few people I have met, we start the descent. We all wear heavy mountain shoes, so there are no problems descending steeply to the Emerald Lakes in the volcanic ash. At the latest here, those with sneakers dangerously slip. It is clear now that this is a mountain tour. You can also see it in some people's faces ☺️

We continue through the next crater to the blue lake. Unfortunately, a few clouds are now moving in. The descent begins after about 12 km of the route. It goes steeply downhill on well-developed paths and stairs. By now it's over 20 degrees and the winter mountain pants, which were great at minus 3 degrees in the Red Crater, are unfortunately a bit too warm now. After a short stop at a hut and an energy bar for lunch, luckily we walk the last kilometers through dense cool rainforest. At the latest here, I'm glad to have the waterproof heavy mountain shoes. In some places, you have to walk ankle-deep in mud.

I leave my new acquaintances and speed up to catch the 4 o'clock bus. After a hot shower at the campsite and a plate of spaghetti, I go to bed early. It's freezing cold and for the first time I turn on the heater in the VW bus.