Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an extending trek over steep volcanic terrain. The amount of climbing is apparently minimized if you start at Mangatepopo Valley which is the preferred route. However I cannot confirm that the amount of climbing is minimized as I just wanted to cry most of the way up which is pathetic really, but true. There’s a part where you have to pull yourself up with chains – yes chains – I was at this point thinking “you cannot be serious” – but serious it was.
First of all you start on a track with a “gentle” gradient to Soda Springs – where you can go to the loo and this is advisable even though it stinks 😷 as there ain’t no more till 6k before the end and no bush if you do 🙄
Then it’s a steep climb to the Mangatepopo Saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. Poles lead across the South Crater to the tracks high point at Red Crater (1886m) a still and steaming vent. Beyond Red Crater the track passes Emerald Lakes and skirts Te Wai Whakaata-o-te Rangihiora the Blue Lake. Incidently Wh is pronounced as an F – so not Whakaata but Fakaata – fak being a phrase I used more times than the number of scooters in the centre of Hanoi after reaching the Ketetahi Shelter 6km from the end. Here my knee decided to not play the descent game and having been told no one would rescue someone with a bad knee only a broken leg, I seriously hobbled my way down in excruciating pain saying “fak fak fak fak fak” whilst Dani kindly told me some stories to try and take my mind off it. As soon as the terrain became straight again at approx. 10cm away from the car park I became a little ray of sunshine again – a cable car down would’ve been greatly appreciated – however it was not to be – but what was to be as another eventful day full of stunning scenery and amazing, magnificent views – just fantastic!!