NZ Roadtrip north island day 6-8
Door: Eelco
Blijf op de hoogte en volg Eelco
13 Januari 2013 | Nieuw Zeeland, National Park
Tongariro national park and Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Day 6: In the afternoon we went to the whakapapa village to check out the information centre. They have a small exhibition about volcanoes and some volcanic rocks to check out. On the way back we go for a short walk to the Tawhai falls, (apparently also featuring in the LOTR movies). It’s a nice small waterfall. When we are back we entertain ourselves with the climbing wall in our hostel. Unfortunately, the energy is quickly drained when we try out some of the more difficult climbs. We go to bed early because we have to wake up for the 7.15 shuttle bus that will take us to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Day 7: In a packed bus we drive for 30 minutes to the carpark from where the Tongariro Alpine Crossing starts. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one day hike over the mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe volcanic area and is said to be one of the best one day hikes in New Zealand and amongst the top in the world. These volcanoes are active volcanoes! From our backpackers the volcanoes did not seems so big, but from up close they are much more impressive. The walk is truly beautiful and you get to see volcanic craters, crater lakes and a lot of volcanic rock. Also the weather was really clear so we could see mount Taranaki from afar. We took the 1 hour return trip to the summit of Mt. Tongariro (1967m, 300m climb), which is fairly easy, and gives really nice views of the area. Since part of Mt Tongariro erupted recently (it was not that bad, just some ashes) the northern part (which is apparently not the best part) is closed off. Therefor instead of a full crossing you have to return to the beginning. On the way back we took the 3 hour return trip up to the top of Mt Ngauruhoe (2291m, 600m climb), known from the Lord of the Rings movies as Mt. Doom. This trip is a real climb and both hands and feet are needed to get to the top though the loose volcanic rock that makes up the side of the mountain. The experience and the view from the top are amazing and were definitely worth it! You can look directly into the crater, there is some ice on the top and there is a vent that blows out warm air. Also you look out over Mt Raupehu in the south and Mt Tongariro area and lake Taupo to the north. I could not find the ring there, I guess it really was destroyed. It was a long day (9 hours of walking) but it was really great and the weather couldn’t have been better.
Day 8: Sleeping in and recovering from the crossing, hanging around the hostel all day.
We have done some bookings for next week, so we have some “fun” stuff to look forward to: Bungee, giant swing, white island cruise and Maori and volcanic experience at whakewarewa.
Day 6: In the afternoon we went to the whakapapa village to check out the information centre. They have a small exhibition about volcanoes and some volcanic rocks to check out. On the way back we go for a short walk to the Tawhai falls, (apparently also featuring in the LOTR movies). It’s a nice small waterfall. When we are back we entertain ourselves with the climbing wall in our hostel. Unfortunately, the energy is quickly drained when we try out some of the more difficult climbs. We go to bed early because we have to wake up for the 7.15 shuttle bus that will take us to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Day 7: In a packed bus we drive for 30 minutes to the carpark from where the Tongariro Alpine Crossing starts. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one day hike over the mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe volcanic area and is said to be one of the best one day hikes in New Zealand and amongst the top in the world. These volcanoes are active volcanoes! From our backpackers the volcanoes did not seems so big, but from up close they are much more impressive. The walk is truly beautiful and you get to see volcanic craters, crater lakes and a lot of volcanic rock. Also the weather was really clear so we could see mount Taranaki from afar. We took the 1 hour return trip to the summit of Mt. Tongariro (1967m, 300m climb), which is fairly easy, and gives really nice views of the area. Since part of Mt Tongariro erupted recently (it was not that bad, just some ashes) the northern part (which is apparently not the best part) is closed off. Therefor instead of a full crossing you have to return to the beginning. On the way back we took the 3 hour return trip up to the top of Mt Ngauruhoe (2291m, 600m climb), known from the Lord of the Rings movies as Mt. Doom. This trip is a real climb and both hands and feet are needed to get to the top though the loose volcanic rock that makes up the side of the mountain. The experience and the view from the top are amazing and were definitely worth it! You can look directly into the crater, there is some ice on the top and there is a vent that blows out warm air. Also you look out over Mt Raupehu in the south and Mt Tongariro area and lake Taupo to the north. I could not find the ring there, I guess it really was destroyed. It was a long day (9 hours of walking) but it was really great and the weather couldn’t have been better.
Day 8: Sleeping in and recovering from the crossing, hanging around the hostel all day.
We have done some bookings for next week, so we have some “fun” stuff to look forward to: Bungee, giant swing, white island cruise and Maori and volcanic experience at whakewarewa.
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Je kunt nu ook Smileys gebruiken. Via de toolbar, toetsenbord of door eerst : te typen en dan een woord bijvoorbeeld :smiley
