Day 40
Tongariro National park
Today is a BIG day, we are going to do one of the best walks in New Zealand, Tongariro alphine crossing, during 8-9 hours. We took water, some sandwiches and even some of pasta from yesterday dinner, water resistant jackets (me with FCB raincoat of course :-) -and drove to the start of the track.
We have arrived to Mangatepopo parking around 8:15. Tongariro crossing can be done from two different points: Mangatepopo (possible to arrive there by car or bus) and finish in Ketetahi (where there is another bus); or vice versa
We have decided to start from Mangateppo (to leave car there), reach the top of the track (red crater, emerald lakes and blue lakes) and then back to initial point, without crossing to Ketetahi.
The weather was really rainy and windy and I was worried we will not see anything on the top due to the mist.Tongariro is vulcano, which has exploded many years ago and the whole track is covered with volcanic scenary and stoned lava - welcome to the Mordor!
The track has 5 stops:
1) Soda Springs: a waterfall, after first 1-1,5 hours of walking, easy part, with no complication and even toilets in the end :-D
2) South Crater: here it starts to be difficult. You need to go up, climbing woden stairs built for this track, you go up and up, reminds about climbing some cathedral - the difference is it lasts about 1 hour :-D After the stairs you cross the crater, which looks exactly like moon in the movies haha
3) Red Crater: The most difficult part is climbing up to Red crater, which is climbing up , with no stairs, just stones and wind and sand under your feet, sliding and climbing again suffering cold wind. Finally you reach the top and here you can see everything!!! Red crater, blue lake and emerald lakes - stunning view and we had really luck that the rain stoped and sun went out and we could see everything clearly.
4) Emerald Lakes: those who want to do complete crossing had to go down to lakes and then continue the way. But we had to go back to our car and used the view to take gorgeous pictures :-D
5) Blue Lake: real blue colour of this vulcanic lake leave you really impressed. And all this you see just standing on the top of the mountain - impressive!!
We stayed a bit on the top but decided go back to south crater to have our food, since the wind wouldn't let us enjoy the meal :-D
The weather was great, sunny and warm, the way back was really easier and more pleasant :-D
We had our lunch at south crater, chatting with a couple of French traveling around like us and headed back to the car. After 8 hours of walking we finally were heading home, tired but satisfied :-D
Gané At home more beers, dinner with our hosts and Guitar hero - this long day was finished :-D
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