Tongariro volcanos crossing

This Wednesday of June 12th, the group head to XXX, in order to do the famous (in New-Zealand!) Tongariro crossing, which is a 19.4 km trek / hike through the 2 volcanos, in the middle of the North Island.

We got lucky to have a quite nice weather (for NZ in autumn time at least), so from the beginning I was quite excited to do this hike.

The start looked quite easy... a flat land with some vegetation, and the volcanos behind. We are at about 1,100m of altitude, let's start!

The first 2h were fairly easy, with nice panoramic views on the surrounding, with a very dry but still colorful environment.









The more we progress, the more we can see this black-volcanic ground.











 We have to start making our way through more serious ways & paths... as well as hundreds of steps.







Not yet at the top, but a long plateau makes a nice "easier" part after the steep steps and 3h30 of hike. Quite impressive actually to be on this no-man's land, black, black and black except for few tiny plants.



Yeah... not having so much style for once... rented hiking gear!

On this plateau, the sky cleared up quite well and we had great views of the volcanos peaks around, as well as the valley on the other side.

It is said they have recorded few shots of "Lord of the Ring" there, I can clearly believe it, the scenery is quite extra-ordinary. I would not spend nights & days here... but it is impressive to see!

A bit more efforts and we reach the top of the small volcano, at 1,880m high, after 4h30 of hike. Very windy, very cold, very cloudy... we do not stay long!

From up there, we are supposed to see amazing views of the green emaurade lake, in the volcano's crater, but do not see so much... it is fine, the principal is to have made it to the top ;)

The crater from the top, in the clouds...

Just to prove I was there ;)

Going down a bit to go to stop for lunch, we then have another lower crater to cross before to find back the valley and some vegetation. 

The 2nd crater is even more dry, really nothing is living here, just black volcanic ashes & rocks. Keep walking ;)

The way down is very nice, providing great views onto the green valley and a lake, with the vegetation starting to come up slowly again.  

View down the valley to reach... need to walk until the green forest!

One of the volcano's active crater with smoke

On this other side of the volcanos, the plants are much greener and bigger, up to the point of becoming a rainforest lower. Quite a nice change vs. the start. 

Mid-level path with more vegetation

View on the lake and surrounding mountains

In the rainforest

 After 7h and 30mn, we finally arrived at the end of the trek... definitely exhausted, but it was worth it. The jacuzzi and hammam at the hostel will be becomed :-)

Sunset on the volcano