Tag 90-91 Tongariro National Park

Again Basti: After a slightly longer journey this time, we reached Tongariro National Park, which greeted us with a great view of Mt. Ruapehu (Erebor, the lonely mountain). Unfortunately, the sky was very overcast the next morning, but undeterred in our mood, we hiked to the Tawhai Falls, which served as a backdrop to the Forbidden Pool, and through picturesque volcanic landscapes to the Taranaki Waterfall. The next morning, we set off early. The goal of this day: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Since Pauline was still somewhat restricted due to her arm, we only walked the first 6 kilometers. But what a six kilometers it was! We walked on a path lined with volcanic rock, through lush vegetation on fertile soil, traversed by crystal-clear streams and the rough rocks of frozen magma flows. As the landscape became increasingly barren, Mt. Ngauruhoe - the Mountain of Destiny - loomed before us. Our paths diverged at the Soda Springs, and I set out on the ascent. The path led me up the flank of the mountain to the southern crater, with the remnants of the last eruption in 1870 still unchanged on the left and right. I continued on to the Red Crater, from which you could enjoy a great view of the surroundings and the Emerald Lakes - mineral lakes surrounded by steaming (and stinking) rock. After a long descent, I met my Pauline on the way and we were reunited!