25th Day - Tongariro Crossing

This long-distance hiking trail has long been a fixed point on our to-do list. After visiting the hobbits in the Shire and learning that this trail goes straight through Mordor to Mount Doom, our excitement was even greater ;)

Punctually at 7 a.m., we chug along in a slightly decrepit bus to the starting point of the 20 km hike. At the same time, 500 more or less well-equipped hikers (sandals, Nike FreeRun, jeans... just to name a few delicacies) embark on this mystical tour. In single file, we master the ascent to the first volcano crater, where people who are so unathletic attempt daring overtaking maneuvers, only to stop breathlessly shortly thereafter. At this point, the first optimists come back towards us with only one water bottle in hand - they must have changed their minds! ;)

The first highlight is when the dense fog suddenly lifts and we see the 'Mount Doom' (Mt. Ngauruhoe). If the moon landing by Armstrong and Co. had been staged - this would be the perfect place!

After a magnificent view of a red crater abyss, we (especially Karin ;) plunge down the steep scree slope to the long-awaited turquoise lakes.

We leave behind an impressive landscape and start the 10 km descent, which is quite challenging: 'How much longer?', 'I can't feel my toes anymore!', 'My hands are shaking!' - Just to give you a few insights ;)

Finally, and somewhat surprisingly, we reach the finish line before the overzealous sandal knights and Nike sneaker hipsters after 6 hours. We are very happy to sit back in the luxury liner after 40,000 steps, 20 km, 800 meters of elevation, and some burned calories. :)