02.08.10
Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Conquering Mt Doom
My friends and I decided we needed a larger challenge to conquer, than just a small Waitakere bush walk. We’d been talking about re walking the great Tongariro Crossing over the past couple of summers, but only just managed to put into action. Road trip ahead, as we tested Pete’s new wagon. We bunked down in National Park for two nights, whilst spending much of the time trekking over the mountains of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom), and Ruapehu.
Lake Taupo from the southern end
First sight of Tongariro coming from Taupo and Turangi
Bayview Chateau Tongariro (nestled on Mt Ruapehu)
Bayview Chateau Golf Course – New Zealand’s highest course
Road tripping with Mark, who previously ascended Cradle Mountain, Tasmania with me
From one of the stream crossings driving up Mt Ruapehu
Zooming upwards on Mt Ruapehu – North Island’s tallest mountain and volcano, at 2,797 metres
We parked late in the evening at the Bruce carpark, and found the place deserted. Free roam of the mountain! We ventured up around 1km up the rocky slopes, as the temperature quickly dropped.
Strangely, the clouds around us descended beyond our elevation, revealing the glowing sunset across the west. Was quite amazing to witness a sunset with a cloud base lower down.
Amazing light being filtered around Ruapehu
Defining ridge lines on Ruapehu
Various volcanic rocks and high altitude plants
The following morning, we had to wake at the crack of dawn to catch the shuttle to the start of the great Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Witnessing an amazing sunrise across all three mountains certainly made it worthwhile.
Sunrise over Mt Doom
Sunrise from National Park / SH47 intersection
Amazing New Zealand Beauty
Arriving at the Mangatepopo carpark, we were now ready to tackle the 19.4km long mountain crossing.
First steps along the 19.4km long Tongariro CrossingThe intital track starts deceptively easy!
Great view of Mt Ngauruhoe
The final 1km stretch leading to the saddle, connecting Tongariro and Ngauruhoe.
This section was the hardest, with a steep incline, and noticeable difference in breathing
The camera was put away for the next 45min as we climbed the Mangatepopo Saddle
Following the Saddle, we drop again, in the enormous South Crater of Tongariro, before climbing one of the ridges offering great views
Sheer cliffs, along the ridge
Climbing out of the South Crater, with cloud cover blocking one side of the mountainside
360 degree panoramic from the additional Tongariro Summit walk
View looking down to the Emerald Lakes and Red Crater
View down the fun scree slope, with Blue Lake in the backdrop (perfect place to moon jump)
One of the Emerald Lakes, caused from leaching minerals
Tongariro Emerald Lakes
Further views of the Emerald Lakes, with steam rising from the ridge
Low cloud cover at the Ketetahi Hut (well, over 1,400m isn’t exactly low!)
And away with the camera it was, as the rain came down for our last hours walk downhill.
Dusk over Mt Ruapehu and the winding highway
The following morning we made the short walk to to the lovely Lake Rotopounamu – an easy walk, however we were all suffering from fatigue and muscle pains after a full day of walking the previous day.
Lake Rotopounamu
Mark, chilled out
The drive home was non eventful, although we did try our luck at the Hole in One challenge on Lake Taupo. Out of 25 balls, I managed to land 6 very close to the hole on the floating pontoon, 102metres out.