12 Feb
A big adventure in store today!
Sandie returned us down to Whakapapa Holiday Park and stayed overnight in an extra tent. The temperature far cooler than the muggy weather we had back in Morrinsville the last couple of days.
By 8am Sandie had delivered us to the Ketetahi carpark. Farewells, before heading up the track (we almost forgot our hiking sticks!).
The beech forest gave way to low scrub and then alpine tussock as we weaved our way up the mountain. The pictures below will say it all in terms of scenery.
At the summit of the crossing there were at least a couple of hundred people scattered along the trail. I listened for any kiwi ascents, but couldn’t hear any. A blend of age groups too. Surprisingly, a number of older people. One man cradled a young baby in a carrier around his stomach. We were walking ‘against the grain’ as such because most walkers headed north.
We climbed to an elevation above the Emerald Lakes of 1838 metres above sea level. On the descent we admired Mt Ngauruhoe to our left. Also known as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies.
Chateau Tongariro eventually came into clearer view and by early evening we had completed our trek of 27 kilometres.
That was definitely a demanding walk. You are both doing so well. Bronwyn H
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