Advertisement
Published: November 30th 2006
Tongariro Crossing
Snow! We were quite excited to see snow in the spring timeSo we departed Taupo and made our way to do the best one day walk of New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing on Mt. Tongariro an old but still active volcano. The weather was pretty shitty looking but it was supposed to clear up (so the weather forecast has stated) So we arrived in the slight rain and definite clouds. On we trekked with hope in our hearts. It was bloody strenuous. The winds were absolutely freezing once we neared the summit and strong enough to blow me off the bloody mountain. The Tongariro is near the Mt. Ngauruhoe, which is Mt. Doom on the Lord of the Rings. So we were climbing over these volcanic rocks feeling like Frodo about to die. We were frozen to the bone and thought we were going to have to be air lifted out because I was moving like an 85 year old woman with arthritis. The hike itself was 17km and had some spectacular views that we weren't quite able to enjoy with the clouds. Eventually it did clear up and we got to enjoy some views on the way down. And as if the gods were feeling guilty the clouds parted just long
Tongariro Crossing II
climbing the "devils staircase" enough for us to enjoy and quickly photograph the famous Emerald Lakes over the crossing which are a beautiful blue green colour. We trekked through some snow and some water, through craters and mud. It was an experience that we'll never forget.
From there it was onto the city of Wellington on the North Island. The weather was absolutely torrential. Gale force winds and enough rain to flood the streets. So needless to say we didn't leave the hostel much...except to go to the bar of course. And the next night we didn't even make it that far, we just bought beer and played drinking games (Boxhead) in our dorm room with our fellow mates. Good times, except waking up for the 3 hr ferry ride at 7:00 am was pretty shit, and I left behind a set of clothes in my morning haze. Lesson...pack prior.
So off we went onto the much anticipated South Island. First stop being Old Macdonalds Farm in the absolutely gorgeous Abel Tasmen National Park. The place was like a lovely summer camp..with llamas. Still not sure what they do with llamas. We enjoyed a day of sailing up and down the
Tongariro Crossing III
Ang almost got blown off the crest of the mountain coast of Abel Tasman which is riddled with the most luscious bays of long beaches and green waters. We also got the pleasure of seeing a Fur Seal colony and a couple little blue penguins in the water. (Sorry Julie, they were too quick for a pic)
We decided to join some fellow Canadians and brother American on a couple day camping journey into the park to really appreciate all it has to offer. So we packed our bags with enough food, camping gear and clothing to last us for a couple days trekking. Haven't hiked with a 13kg bag before, so we didn't know exactly what we were getting into. But we're tough enough, had to be there were people twice our age doing the same thing!! So the first day we hiked for 20km and camped in Bark Bay, right off the beach. The second day, with blisters and bleeding toes we trekked another 11km to Awaroa Bay. The weather was great so we really lucked out. Was definitley worth every little ache and pain.. it was just beautiful.
Leaving Abel Tasman was hard but we had to keep going. So onto Barrytown we went, which
Tongariro Crossing IV
looking back on the way down has a population of approximately 43 people. So when we stopped to buy freaky clothing at a Value Village like store we were a little confused, but played along. At the bar at our hostel is some sort of tradition for us to dress absolutely ridiculous, so of course we were into it. We ended up playing Musical Chairs...woa flashback. All those birthday parties paid off though cuz I won...a bar tab! Sweet as. And the Italian guys on our bus blessed us with the most hilarious strip show on the bar I've ever seen and won a bungy jump. Great night, shut down the bar after the neighbours called the cops after 4:30 am. What another rough bus ride the next day.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.085s; Tpl: 0.014s; cc: 7; qc: 51; dbt: 0.0549s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
brad
non-member comment
Storyteller
Haha ang you have some amazing story telling skills these entries read like a book haha anyway you guys look like ur havin fun, keep us updated ;)