Day 41 - National Park to Raetihi

 15 Feb

BIG walking day today. 35k. Karl forgot his walking stick part way along the Highway and returned 300 metres to get it. He has become quite attached to his walking stick. We refer to them as ‘mana’ sticks! Mana in te reo Māori means ‘pride’. It actually has a number of meanings, but that is a simple one.

Of the two pheasant feathers in the top of my walking stick one decided to fly out in a gust of wind. I saw it go and come to rest in the middle of the road. My instant reaction was to dart out and retrieve it, however, I paused as a big rig about 100 metres away, and advancing fast, was more of a risk than I was prepared to take. The feather would have to fend for itself. I stayed focussed on the feather with hope, only to see it sucked up beneath the truck and trailer somewhere. If that wasn’t enough, a second tandem rig was right behind that!! Farewell feather, and thanks for travelling with me and seeing part of NZ on top of my mana stick.

Makatote viaduct railway stood 77metres high and spans 252metres in length. An amazing engineering achievement. We thought about walking across it, but it was nearing the time of the train coming through from Wellington. Didn’t want to be that scene out of the ‘Stand by Me’ movie!

A 35km day!

National Park YHA backpackers

Cones on smoko break.

The Makatote viaduct railway bridge.

Ruapehu distancing itself as we get further away.

Our best forage of blackberries yet!

Someone’s creativity from a tree stump.

Destination reached.

Day 40 - Whakapapa to National Park

 13 Feb

The body may be stiff and achy, but you just get up, move slowly, and it’ll come right - eventually.

Today had us farewell our tenting spot of 2 nights and trek towards National Park village. 

Beech forest. Stream crossings. Rocks in streams that were golden yellow because of the high iron content in the water. Boardwalks over swampy terrain. Fungi on the forest floor. Scenery galore to absorb. 

A 28km day completed!

Day 39 - Ketetahi carpark (Tongariro Crossing) to Whakapapa

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.

View towards Lake Rotoaira and beyond to Lake Taupo.

Blue Lake.

Emerald Lake.

Red crater on Tongariro.

View towards Mt Ruapehu.

Chateau Tongariro. Now abandoned?

Day 38 - Turangi to Ketetahi Rd (start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing)

 9 Feb

It was decided that we would return to Turangi and walk the segment of 24km out to the Ketetahi Rd (start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing). We firstly followed the cycle trail that runs parallel to SH1. It was nice to be in the shade of the bush and on a dedicated trail.

At Rangipo we turned inland onto state highway 46. 

Lake Rotoaira showed moments of glistening brilliance just above the roadside broom. Because we left late in the day (3pm) we were aiming to cover the 24k in about 5 hours. Therefore 5k per hour speed.

With 3k to go a familiar car came along the highway. There was a special delivery of BK onion rings out the side window. Thanks Sandie our mobile trail angel.

Mt Tongariro was all in shadow with a couple of puffs of white steam venting from its side. Up Ketetahi Rd we strode. Karl even put on a sprint to try and reach the parking bays before his mum.

The plan now was to head home to Morrinsville. We could attend nephew Mattie’s 21st on Saturday, get some things done around home, some rest included and then return down this way Sunday evening for a Monday restart. 

Here I thought we wouldn’t be returning home for some time! What a boomerang treat!

Departing Turangi. Pihanga in the background.

On the trail that passes the Tongariro Trout Centre.

Wide forest berm beside SH. 1

SH47 - a quiet road walk.

Lake Rotoaira in the distance.

Made it by 8pm to Ketetahi Rd carpark.

Day 37 - South of Waihaha to Turangi

 8 Feb

It had been a lovely stay with Gareth and Alison. We were so appreciative of their hospitality and in time would love to check in again and stay at their Air B&B cabin. Gareth also showed us his collection of wood turned pens. You can find his small business on Facebook- ‘Kuratau Woodcrafts’.

We farewelled Gareth and Alison at the intersection of HW32 and Karangahape Rd.

Back into the road walking and the heat was rising fast. The road radiating up through your shoes.

Scenes of the southern end of Lake Taupo came into few. As we came of wound our way down into Tokaanu there was reason to celebrate. We had achieved 1000km of walking. ‘Ptch’ as Karl and I high fived.

Tokaanu has thermal pools for bathing. No feelings of doing that on a day like today! Onwards to Turangi township. A fella in a red people mover pulled over and asked if we were walking the Te Araroa Trail. Our reply got him so animated. ‘I told my Mrs that’s what you’d be doing! Far out you fullas! Legends! Go hard brothers!! His enthusiasm and expression spilled over as he gave a hearty way and drove on.

Into New World for some supplies. Another lady carrying a baby made eye contact and said ‘I saw you 2 days ago near Tihoi. I was going to ask you if you needed a lift!’ Karl and I felt like celebrities.

Sandie was down  in Taupo for work. It was a chance to catch up. As we wandered towards the bus stop, who should we reconnect with - Gareth and Alison, our hosts from the previous night. More great conversations.

The bus was a shuttle and it was a slow journey to Taupo. We didn’t mind. A chance to rest our legs and see the scenery from the opposite side of the lake.

The weather for crossing Tongariro wasn’t good. Thunderstorms possible and strong winds. We’d have to make some decisions for the coming weekend.

A view of the southern end of Lake Taupo.

Quaint church in Tokaanu.