Whakapapa Village, New Zealand

Our meandering led us south to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, where we pulled over for a quick lunch break along the water’s edge.

Later that day we reached the Tongariro National Park - a world heritage site comprised of three massive volcanoes.  Travelers and locals alike converged here for a popular 19 km (12 mile) hike known as the Alpine Crossing.  Throwing on our best hiker’s gear (thanks Aunt Margie your hiking boots have successfully travelled around the world!) we boarded a shuttle bus at 7am, which would take us to the trailhead.  After last week’s mountain biking fiasco I was nervous about our unknown hike - especially as a series of warning signs suggested we reconsider.  It also didn’t help that mountaineers in full regalia (helmets, gaiters, crampons, etc.) were descending the volcano in the opposite direction.

Weather conditions were ideal and the blinding morning sun rose over the volcano (you may also know it as “Mt Doom” from the Lord of the Rings).  We proceeded on for a casual climb through volcanic geography of rock craters, steaming vents and colorful lakes.  The scenery of volcanic expanse was significantly contrasted to our previous New Zealand hikes of lush greenery - we imagined the top of the volcano was something similar to the moon.

A highlight was eating our packed lunch at the Emerald Lakes - a series of iridescent green lakes atop the mountain’s peak.


  

The last few miles were, thankfully, downhill.  With our remaining energy and growing aspirations for the 3pm shuttle bus (the next option was an hour later), we ran the last mile along a large stream through wooded ferns to the pickup location (not easy in hiking boots, mind you).  At 2:59pm we clambered onto the departing shuttle as it drove away.

Check out the beautiful girl in my eyeglasses