Motutere-Tongariro Alpine Crossing-Taupo-Wai O Tapu-Lake Okareka

28.02.2020

The hut was nice and cozy. I had to wake up at 5 a.m. in order to catch the shuttle at 6 a.m. to get back to the starting point of the track where I parked my car. The weather was not so good in the beginning, but it was still dark so I had to start hiking with my headlamp. Once I reached the steep climb up to the volcanic crater, the weather became really beautiful. However, the strong wind made it difficult for me. The landscape there was indescribable, with beautiful lakes and volcanoes. After almost 4 hours, I finished the hike. The estimated time of 6 hours and 30 minutes was accurate. Then, I went to Taupo by the lake to have a big coffee and a Caesar salad. Next, I visited Wai O Tapu, which is an area with sulfur springs and lakes. It was also very beautiful, but after the hike it felt a bit boring. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to visit it right after. Later, I found a nice spot near Lake Okareka. It was really amazing there.