Tongariro Alpine crossing

29^th January

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is supposed to be the best one day hike in Nz, perhaps in the world. The trek guides you though volcanic craters, past many multi coloured volcanic lakes and winds between numerous volcanoes, the scenery is spectacular.

We completed the trek in 2008, albeit in thick cloud so we could see nothing of the wonder and beauty, we always vowed to return and complete it again.

The time had come, we arrived to the small town adjacent to the nation park inspirationally named “national park village” how creative! Due to time constraints we had again arrived with only one possible day to complete the crossing, the weather forecast, cloud early on but clearing, promising!

We arose early at 6 am ready for a 7 am departure, the hostel owners advised the weather report had changed somewhat to cloud with early rain and winds gusting to 70 kph…. Those who got ready to board the bus in their jeans or shorts and with no coats were quickly advised that unless they wanted Hypothermia at 1800 meters they should not go….It surprises me sometimes just how stupid people are when it comes to mountains and the outdoors, 10 decided not to go.

When we arrived to the start of the trek we saw a familiar site, nothing. We were bathed in thick misty cloud, as we climbed the devils staircase to the foot of Mount Ngauruhoe aka Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings we saw no volcano a bitter disappointment.

We continued to walk quickly with our heads down cursing the weather that had again duped us.

At the highest point of the trek the wind was gusting so strongly that the wooden signs driven in to the ground were swaying and we had difficulty walking in a straight line. There were people who looked decidedly ill at ease in their trainers and shorts as the wind drove in to us pelting gravel and loose volcanic matter at our legs, these conditions were alpine to say the least.

Not a lot else happened really that’s what happens when you walk in a white out, you don’t see a lot.

By the end of the trek from the other side of the Tongariro range we could see the cloud lifting and the sun shining, anyone up there then would be having a great day!

We have vowed never to try the Tongariro crossing again, however I am not sure that’s going to happen!