The Tongariro Crossing

Hello everyone!

I am exhausted, have never been this tired in my whole (short) life! 'Cause I have done the Tongariro Crossing! 6 1/2 - 7 hours of walking walking walking through a beautiful volcanic landscape and there even was quite a bit of snow still. What a day...

But let me tell you more. On Tuesday Paulien took me to Taupo which is a small town on the Northern side of Lake Taupo. That lake actually is an inactive volcano crater in itself, cool eh? We stayed at a nice lodge where we could prepare well for the next day.

We needed that because on Wednesday the bus picked us up at 5.45 in the morning. The weather forecast was really good (unlike the week before when the Crossing was closed) so we didn't mind leaving early. Around 7.30 am we started the Crossing and soon we saw the top of Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings). On this map you can see our route (red track).


The Devil Staircase took us there and they were definitely devilish! So steep and difficult. Luckily Paulien carried me all the way because I don't think my little legs would have managed. Once at the top though it was amazing...an indescribable experience!


6 to 7 hours later, after seeing the Red Crater, Emerald lakes and much more we arrived at the end of the track. Tired and weary the bus took us back to the hostel where we slept and slept until it was time to return to Hamilton. There we were welcomed by Steve who had planned a nice trip to some Waterfalls and (best of all) hot springs!!!

Since this amazing experience I have been relaxing. We had a birthday party on Friday and today I cheered for Paulien during her Round the Bridges Race. She did really well, especially after such an exhausting week!

Soon I will move out of this flat and start travelling around some more. I can't wait. New Zealand here I come!

Cheers,
Sofie

p.s. More pictures of the Tongariro Crossing are on http://paulien.fotopic.net