TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

Often described as the most beautiful trek of a possible day in New Zealand, its reputation is far from being usurped. This 17 km route runs through some of the country's most beautiful and impressive landscapes, along a trail that is perfectly signposted and without great difficulty, if it is its length and ascents. So anyone can do it, if it has a good physical condition and the weather is in the game. Its adjective "alpine", however, highlights the nature of the terrain and its differences, and it will not be necessary to venture without preparation, food and material. This is still an absolute absolute achievement during your stay, so the change due to the volcanic volcanic landscape is breathtaking. It is not for nothing that the region served as a decoration at the Mordor in the Lord of the rings… The hike starts at Mangatepopo Road Car Park in the west and ends at Ketetahi Road in the north, for a total of 6 hours to 9 hours walking by rhythm and options. It features beautiful lakes (Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake) and the three mountains of the park, Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu.

Mount Tongariro is the smallest of the three peaks at 1 968 metres altitude. It's a volcano in many craters, some of which are still active. It also houses mud pools and hot springs on its northern slope. His last eruption took place in 2012, some hiking trails had to be closed due to the propulsion of rocks and ash on part of the park. If you want to climb a mountain during the trek, it is the one you need to choose, the detour not taking more than 2 hours and being the best tagged.

Mount Ngauruhoe. Everyone talks about it under the name that made it famous: Mount Doom. It is indeed its perfect cone, culminating at 2 287 metres, which was chosen as the "mountain of destiny", in the famous saga based on J.R.R. Tolkien novels. Unlike the other two volcanoes, it has only one crater. Still active, it would have erupted more than seventy times since the arrival of Europeans in that region. Many hikers are rush on its flanks without preparation due to its reputation. We can't recommend it too much. There is no fixed path, the ground consists mainly of very impassable ash and its inclination at 45 ° makes it an extremely complicated ascent. In addition, the many rocks falling down due to other marchers (falling rocks) cause regular injuries. Only the most experienced can try this detour through fine weather and following the pickets that indicate the safest route.

Mount Ruapehu. With its 2 797 meters altitude, it is the roof of the North island. This volcano is still very active, so that during its last eruptions in September 1995 and June 1996, there were ashes on the east coast. Twice, he perturba the activity of his ski resorts. Of the four in this region, three are attached to its flanks: Whakapapa on the west slope, Turoa to the south and Tukino to the east. It dominates the backdrop of the crossing but never approaches.

Transport: It is almost inevitable to use a shuttle to carry out this trek. Since the itinerary is not a loop, some are sometimes looking to go to two groups with two vehicles, but this is not the ideal option, because parking lots are sometimes closed to cars or complete, and those who take the trail from Ketetahi Road will walk against all other hikers. The majority of the accommodations are responsible for arranging the shuttles themselves from all tourist destinations in the region (National Park Village, Whakapapa Village, Turangi, Taupo and Ohakune) and the best is to see directly with them. There are also some private companies on this niche (Turangi Alpine Shuttle, from Turangi, www.alpineshuttles.co.nz - Tongariro Expeditions, from Taupo and Turangi, also guided marches, www.tongariroexpeditions.com - Adrift Outdoor Adventures, from Taupo, Turangi and Whakapapa, also guided marches, www.adriftnz.co.nz).