The Tongariro Crossing

Sunday March 22nd 2015
Almost a year ago we spent a night at National Park railway station which resembled Hogworts station with the foggy conditions and nocturnal coming and going of trains all night. Then we woke to a day not at all suitable for the Tongararo Crossing, and decided we would return to try to cross it another time.

The start of the Tongariro Crossing

Sunday 22nd March was to be the day, and we rose to a day with considerable more promise. So with Herculean effort on our part, we set off but the day not overly good for the crossing, Though not overly cold or windy it clouded up so that a view was not to be had, so disappointed. It was hard to get any idea of perspective of anything. We were very aware we had climbed to a great height, but couldn't see anything, not even the edges at times. We were surprised at the numbers that were doing the crossing, a lot of foreign tourists, lots of couples and a few families. Our age group and older were certainly in minority.

The crossing wanders across the bleak landscape

The real issue being that we will need to do it again and now knowing how difficult it is are in no rush to return but will have to before we lose the edge which I think we may already have.
Our fitness levels were pretty good, it was more our feet that let us down. Sheryl with blistered toes on the long descent and Bill's bruised heel. But we certainly felt our muscles the next day, and the day after.

Bill eating lunch but not seeing much!

Still very active volcano

The lower part of the descent, without mist, was very scenic, lovely bush and certainly good trail to walk. So after 7 hours walking, it was lovely we only had to travel 3km up the road to our freedom camping spot that was provided by the shuttle company we used "Mountain Shuttle". Would certainly recommend them.
The next morning we headed to Turangi to top up with supplies & fuel. Then off along the bottom of Lake Taupo as far as Waihi Village looking for Sister Marie Andre, from Bill's Youth Group days in Nelson circa 1974. Amazingly! He found her brother who told us where she lived locally. Bill & Elizabeth (as she is now known) had a great catch up on their pasts. She & her husband Russel are very involved in their local & wider community.
We then headed on around the Lake to Omori Bay for the night. A scenic, very quiet little Doc area right on the foreshore. A pleasant walk was had to try and ease our still painful muscles.

Sun rise on Lake Taupo at Omori Bay