Last week, four youth therapists (including myself) took a group of six teenagers (all boys) to a camp. The main outdoor activity of that camp was the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track (some 5 to 6 hours south of Auckland).
The crossing spans the length of Mt Tongariro (18.5 Kilometres) and takes about 7-9 hours. Frequently described as the best one day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing provides an opportunity to experience some of the most scenic, volcanically active areas of the Tongariro National Park.
The track runs from the Mangatepopo Valley to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains. It climbs to Red Crater (1886m), then drops down to the Emerald Lakes. After passing the Green and Blue lakes, the track slides around the northern slope of Tongariro, then descends in a zig zag through the bush to the Ketetahi Hut.
The Tongariro area has grown over last 300,000 years. The land mass was formed by many different eruptions from at least six volcanic cones. The oldest lava started flowing about 275,000 years ago. The eruptions continued for the next 200,0000 years until the Ice Age. As the ice retreated it carved the valleys.
As we set off on the hike, it was rather cool and misty out. The visibility was decent and the walk was easy enough as it started off fairly flat. The scenery was entrancing.
As we continued our tramp, the fog settled and the landscape became increasingly rugged.
About three hours into the tramp, I could not see further than maybe 15 meters. As I looked at the pics I had taken at that point in the hike, I thought it looked like the bottom of the sea.
As we climbed, the wind picked up and we were almost blown off of the mountain side. And then we finally reached the summit.
A few steps further and we saw the Emerald Lakes (caused by dissolved minerals washed down from the thermal areas). Incredible!
As we walked further, we came across some remnants of snow. Some of the boys had never seen (or touched) snow before.
Some 5 hours into the tramp, it started clearing up, warming up and the sunshine made the scenery even more appealing.
The smell of sulfuric gases was intense throughout many parts of the crossing. The emissions were clearly visible too.
As we slowly descended toward the end of the track, I could hardly resist taking pics every few steps.
The last 1.5 hours of the track led through the native bush. It was a pleasant change of scenery and a stark contrast to the previous few hours of walking.
And then the track stopped. We all welcomed the end (especially our feet).
The following two days I was sore and could hardly move my legs. Yet, the tramp experience was so worth it! Would love to take Eric and E there at some point.
