Friday, 26 February 2010

26-28.02 Tongariro Crossing (Birthday Weekend)

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The Tongariro Apline Crossing is 19.6km day walk from Mangatepopo to Ketetahi, taking in some of the most amazing New Zealand scenery! A big thanks goes to Jen for letting me use her photos and camera on our little stroll. Our camera decided it had seen enough!

Having arrived at the Whakapapa Holiday Park people busily prepare dinner after breaking into the fully equipped kitchen! Lets eat!!Excitement builds at the start of the walk while the drivers return to the start by bus. I was asked 'Hey mate, you got any gear?' after getting off the bus in shorts & t-shirt, with a bottle of water in my pocket! And this is after Phil got off the bus in front of me with the same!?Group united. We stroll!People look on in disbelief as Craig decides that he needs the loo!Everyone suffers sometimes - I'm told!The awesome Mount Ngauruhoe!Joanna & Nathan with Mount Ngauruhoe in the background!A geological phenomenon, even volcanoes have VJJ's!The Emerald LakesJoanna making her way down to the Emerald Lakes to dip her toes!Jen makes her way down while doing a photoshoot with the guy to her right!A view lake-side!Eating or drinking at the lakes is 'tapu', so not so sure what it means when you bring your own waka and drink pia - cultural awareness is seriously lacking with these Brits!The intrepid hikers continue their march across the plainsLooking back down on old lava flows and the plainsJen & Phil with the Blue Lake in the background.The hikers continue their march towards Ketetahi dodging large boulders & rocks that try to block the path!View towards Lake Rotoaira, with Lake Taupo in the far distance!Ketetahi Hut nearing as we start our descent down the mountain.Everyone back safely, although some with blisters...
..but certianly time to relax and enjoy a hearty barbeque & some beers!Nathan & Craig compare tan lines!

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