My trip to National Park began bright and early. I left on the train to Wellington very early in the morning to get on the 7:45 am bus. The bus ride was comfortable and uneventful, and the seat next to me was empty! The trip was off to a great start.
I had to switch busses in the town of Bulls, a town that takes its name to the extreme.
When I arrived in National Park, I had expected a small town, but I didn’t expect a town that small. The town consisted of one restaurant, one cafe, one bar, one general store and numerous guesthouses and hotels. I grabbed lunch at the cafe and continued to read Ender’s Game, the book that I was completely hooked on.
I eventually went back to the lodge and booked my trip to the Tongariro Crossing the next day. There were two girls in the lounge watching Lord of the Rings, and I joined them. I decided that if I would continue to see more and more spots from the movies, I should at least know what the movies were about. As most of you probably know, movies and I do not mix well. Needless to say, I was asleep within about thirty minutes. I didn’t see the pinnacles, Rivendell or Mount Doom. I only saw Elijah Wood looking awkward and small and all hobbit-y.
After hiring a pair of tramping boots I called it an early night in preparation for the hike.
I left on the eight o’clock shuttle to the start of the crossing. My lunch was packed, my water bottles were filled, I was covered in sunscreen and multiple layers of clothing, and I was as ready as I would ever be.
19.4 kilometers to go.
The hike was unlike any hike I had done before. I am very used to hiking in the woods, surrounded by trees, only to have a view at the summit. But, I have never hiked in an area of volcanic activity. Every step I took on the volcanic rock provided a new and amazing view.
Minor traffic jam at the start of the trail.
Well done, Department of Conservation. I like the way you work.
Yikes, only 4 km down? This is going to be a long day!
Merry Christmas!
At the summit I came across the red crater, just as the fog was setting in.
Suddenly, through the fog, I saw the emerald lakes. They were just stunning. The photos don’t even do justice to the color of the water.
I also stood in snow for the first time in just under three years!
9 km down, and I'm still excited!
More than halfway! Yay!
From 4 kilometers in, there was a marker at every kilometer. I was very excited to see the 17 km marker! But after that marker I walked. And walked. And walked. I felt as though I had gone crazy. This must be the longest kilometer of my life! I was so close, yet I was still so far. Then, bam! The trail was over. Oh, Department of Conservation, you are such jokesters! You didn’t mark the last 2 km, and you definitely fooled me!
I was quite grateful when the end of the trail arrived. It was an incredible hike, and I would highly recommend it. There is no questioning why this is considered the greatest one day hike in New Zealand!
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