“On a Mish” #308 GUEST POST – The Tongariro Crossing. Tongariro National Park. 10.4.2015. In 2015 I was invited to travel to Taupo and walk the Tongariro Crossing. The crossing is a 19.4 km walk amongst fabulous scenery and many, many overseas tourists. (Remember them?)…
With a 7-8 hour walk ahead of us we set out early and started at the Mangateopo valley on a clear, sunny October day. The walk starts with a solid uphill grind to the highpoint of 1886m at the red crater to be greeted by a strong sulphur smell. We walked with a group that included a friend of a friend who was a DOC manager, and an old school mate, by pure luck. He was able to give excellent information about the track and the central North Island mountains. The walk between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro mountains is as good as any of the South Island mountains I’m used to , and well worth the grunt.
We descended past the Emerald Lakes, being careful on the steep shingle path and started around the mountain and the walk through the forested area to the Ketetahi end. At this stage I realized that I had run out of drink and should have carried more water. Because we were in an alpine area, I was smug about the extra clothing I had brought, but a couple of 750ml drink bottles for a 8 hour walk isn’t sufficient. After a couple of cups of tea I was refreshed and could reflect on a great day, and recommend it to any person.
