Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Hawke's Bay and Tongariro - Middle Earth Meander - New Zealand 2016 - February 2016

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Afternoon drew ever closer to early evening as we continued to walk downhill, now through open grasslands and some minor scrub, past the side track to the Mangatepopo Hut, and past the junction with the Mangatepopo Track. As we neared the trailhead, we began to get a clear view to the south, where a beautiful view of Mount Ruapehu, the North Island's highest mountain, came into view. Ruapehu is high enough that snow remained on its upper slopes.

Gnarled Lava Outcrops

Returning to Vegetation

Lower Mangatepopo Valley

Easy walk along flats

Mount Ruapehu

Arriving end trailhead

Just after 4pm, the glint of sunlight on metal roofs portended our arrival at the trailhead. I think I speak for all by saying that we were tired but happy, having achieved a pretty strenuous hike in a pretty reasonable eight and a half hours. The hike had been wonderfully scenic virtually every step of the way, and showcased a wide variety of climate zones, topography, and interesting volcanic and geothermal features. The guidebooks and testimonials are true - this is truly an outstanding hike.

courtesy JInnes

Crossing Completion

Foot Break

Congratulations in order

Kudos once again to Lori, our resident newbie hiker, who smashed her previous height and distance records with this hike by a large margin - and seemed none the worse for wear.

Interactive trackmap with photo points - Tongariro Alpine Crossing - click map to view

Interactive trackmap with photo points - Tongariro Alpine Crossing - click to view

Hike Data - Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Start Time: 7:39a.m.

End Time: 4:15p.m.

Duration: 8h36m

Distance: 19.68 km (12.23 mi)

Average Speed: 2.3 km/hr (1.4 mph)

Start Elevation: 2545ft (776m) *

Max Elevation: 6158ft (1877m) *

Min Elevation: 2545ft (776m) *

End Elevation: 3721ft (1134m) *