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This walk is definitely one of the most amazing things we've done in NZ and it was free! (Except for the shuttle to get there!)
We had originally planned to do this walk (which crosses the saddle between 2 enormous volcanoes) on Sunday but due to gale-force winds and poor visibility the Department of Conservation advised against walking it (despite the shuttle-bus driver telling us that 60km winds wasn't that bad!). Instead, on the Sunday we did a 5-hour hike to Taranaki Falls - which were cool but no Iguassu - and Tama Lake, which was formed as is everything round here - by an eruption that left a huge crater in the Earth.
We were glad we waited, Thursday was a lovely clear day, except for the clouds that suddenly appeared at the peak and the strong wind - but it was good walking weather and the best they had had in a while.
So at 6.30am, armed with 8 sandwiches (3 egg salad, 3 tuna mayonnaise and carrot, and 2 cheese and pickle) and other snacks, we stood waiting on a street corner for the shuttle to come. Fortunately, in true Eric and Eleni style, although
we were 5 minutes late, the shuttle was even later so we didn't miss our transport!
The walk started off gentle enough, but after 45 minutes we started the steep ascent to the South Crater. I thought there would be a path, but in fact it was loads of uneven volcanic rocks and Eric had the task of choosing a suitable route. At the top we were greeted with the sight of the south crater- absolutely massive!
Another hour later, with more tough climbing, we reached the Red Crater. Here it was pretty cloudy and we couldn't see a thing. But as in Machu Picchu, a bit of waiting for the clouds to move on rewarded us with a spectacular view!
Below us lay the Red Crater, an actual vent to the volcano we'd partially climbed, which had last erupted majestically in 1926. Looking down into a volcanic crater is not something we ever imagined ourselves doing, but we were in awe as we scanned this enormous hole with its red and black dusty walls, complete with giant cracks that would have oozed boiling hot lava.
That was the peak of our journey, and as we
descended, the clouds parted once more to reveal the aptly-named Emerald Lakes, all 3 of which were of an unnatural bluey-green colour, formed, again, by water filling craters caused by volcanic eruptions. After having lunch at the edge of the largest one, which afforded a far-reaching view of New Zealand's hills and landscapes, we continued on our journey, seeing lakes, forest and craters on the way.
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mum and dad
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red hole!
These photos are fantastic! Well done for finally making to the walk. It all looks absolutely amazing. No sarcastic comments! Just well done and what lucky people to see all of this! Eleni - your dad is getting more and more determined to see this!XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX