Far in the distance, about the size of a small beetle and nestled on top of the shrub-crusted tundra is the next shelter hut. There we’ll find a short break from the sharp volcanic wind where we can gorge on our trail mix and muesli bars. This hut marks the twelfth kilometre of our alpine hike, but there are still eight more to go.
Our morning started early, at about six o’clock. We rose, zombie-like, and piled in our car, the coffee still half-drunk and cooling on the counter. We want to start early, attack the day and achieve something amazing before noon.
The starting point of the trek is not far from our cottage. We get there promptly and before seven our packs are strapped and we're compressed with our supplies. So we head off into the misty morning- exploring terrain unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
From far-reaching flat swamps to karst-infested cliffs, through vast volcanic craters, high-elevation acidic lakes, active geysers, dry tundra, and lush rainforest: the geological diversity of the crossing is vast.
The tramp is just shy of 20 full kilometres with it’s fair share of ups and downs- at times the trail so steep and the soil so coarse and soft that all four limbs were needed to scale the mountains.
At the top of the crossing the winds careened off the rocks and we had to bear down just to keep our footing. The harsh magnitude of the whole area provided one of the most arduous physical challenges we’ve encountered thus far in New Zealand.
We spent the majority of the day looking down on the clouds. A beautifully disorienting and breathtaking sensation.
The task took us five and a half hours, a figure that impressed the Park Ranger we spoke to at the end.
While our feet took a beating, and our body may have been exhausted, our minds left enlightened, amazed, and triumphant, and the feeling of accomplishment after reaching the end was nothing shy of remarkable.
But for once, I’m lost for words. This post belongs to the photos. We were fortunate enough to capture some very powerful shots during the tramp. Rather than reduce their beauty with my frail attempts to describe them, I’ll let the images shine on their own.
Check out the awesome photo gallery Bryan put together.
We’re now nestled in Wellington drinking our fair share of espresso and gourmet cocktails, but thinking about Tongariro is enough to inspire us at a moments notice. A very inspiring journey.
Till next time!
-Kevin & Bryan
Our morning started early, at about six o’clock. We rose, zombie-like, and piled in our car, the coffee still half-drunk and cooling on the counter. We want to start early, attack the day and achieve something amazing before noon.
The starting point of the trek is not far from our cottage. We get there promptly and before seven our packs are strapped and we're compressed with our supplies. So we head off into the misty morning- exploring terrain unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
From far-reaching flat swamps to karst-infested cliffs, through vast volcanic craters, high-elevation acidic lakes, active geysers, dry tundra, and lush rainforest: the geological diversity of the crossing is vast.
The tramp is just shy of 20 full kilometres with it’s fair share of ups and downs- at times the trail so steep and the soil so coarse and soft that all four limbs were needed to scale the mountains.
At the top of the crossing the winds careened off the rocks and we had to bear down just to keep our footing. The harsh magnitude of the whole area provided one of the most arduous physical challenges we’ve encountered thus far in New Zealand.
We spent the majority of the day looking down on the clouds. A beautifully disorienting and breathtaking sensation.
The task took us five and a half hours, a figure that impressed the Park Ranger we spoke to at the end.
While our feet took a beating, and our body may have been exhausted, our minds left enlightened, amazed, and triumphant, and the feeling of accomplishment after reaching the end was nothing shy of remarkable.
But for once, I’m lost for words. This post belongs to the photos. We were fortunate enough to capture some very powerful shots during the tramp. Rather than reduce their beauty with my frail attempts to describe them, I’ll let the images shine on their own.
Check out the awesome photo gallery Bryan put together.
We’re now nestled in Wellington drinking our fair share of espresso and gourmet cocktails, but thinking about Tongariro is enough to inspire us at a moments notice. A very inspiring journey.
Till next time!
-Kevin & Bryan