Tongariro Alpine

Unfortunately, upon our arrival in Taupo, we received some bad news: the weather for tomorrow is not looking good. We had actually planned to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. So, we decided to postpone the hike to Thursday. As for tomorrow, we don't really have a plan. We decided to spend the day at one of the thermal baths. Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs has different pools with mineral-rich water, and you can even have your own private little pool. After all the driving, it's nice to relax and take a break. The next morning, we start at 4.45!! We drive to the Ketetahi Car Park. Since the trek is not a loop, we are supposed to take a shuttle from here to the starting point at 6.30. When we arrive at the parking lot at 6.00 (at 6 degrees), all 8 spots (8 for 10000...) are already taken. In a rush, the bus drivers explain to us where we can ignore the no parking signs and where we can't (why are they even there then?!). Hoping to avoid a fine, we get on the bus and slowly, the sun rises behind the mountains. Shortly after seven, we start walking with some other people bundled up in jackets and sweaters (some people here seem to underestimate the temperatures and wear shorts 😃 - good thing we're already freezing). The first hour is quite easy through a grassy landscape (only the backpack is heavy, there's no drinking water available, so you have to carry everything!). Then the first ascent comes, a one-hour sweaty march up countless stairs. Then we reach the South Crater. If you want to walk an additional 3 hours, you can climb up here (we're lazy and decide not to). After a short flat area, it gets even steeper going up, and you have to hold on to ropes to avoid slipping. There's also a freezing wind. Once we reach the top at Red Crater, we have a beautiful view of the volcanic landscape and the surroundings (you can even see Mount Taranaki). Here, at 1886m, we reach the highest point of the track. Next up are the Emerald Lakes with their beautiful blue and green colors. Everyone slides down the scree, there's no proper path! Before going back down, we make a picnic stop at the Blue Lake. By now, the wind has died down and the sun is warming up nicely, so we don't need jackets anymore. Then it's another 3 hours downhill. With views of the surrounding lakes and smoking craters, time flies by quickly. After 7 hours, we finally reach our car. 💪🏼 Completely exhausted, we're glad we waited for the day and completed the 19.4km hike in brilliant sunshine. The trek is a bit touristy, but the scenery is simply incredible and breathtaking.