Adventure
A photographic blog on mountain hikes with beautiful scenery
Tongariro Alpine Crossing | New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing | New Zealand
Considered one of the world's top 10 best single day hikes. A 7.5 hour trek covering 19.4km of volcanic alpine landscape with incredible scenery... gorgeous vibrant crater lakes, volcanic mountain peaks, glacial valleys, hot steaming vents, ancient lava flows, beautiful alpine flora, rainbow coloured rocks and more... a truly amazing experience!
Considered one of the world's top 10 best single day hikes. A 7.5 hour trek covering 19.4km of volcanic alpine landscape with incredible scenery... gorgeous vibrant crater lakes, volcanic mountain peaks, glacial valleys, hot steaming vents, ancient lava flows, beautiful alpine flora, rainbow coloured rocks and more... a truly amazing experience!
We set off before sunrise and made our way through the Mangatepopo Valley past Soda Springs. The path then climbed up to South Crater, next to Mount Ngauruhoe. The sunrise looking back toward Mount Taranaki lit the sky beautifully red and the dark gritty rocks on the ground brought the realisation of walking on active volcanic ground. It felt incredible.
We set off before sunrise and made our way through the Mangatepopo Valley past Soda Springs. The path then climbed up to South Crater, next to Mount Ngauruhoe. The sunrise looking back toward Mount Taranaki lit the sky beautifully red and the dark gritty rocks on the ground brought the realisation of walking on active volcanic ground. It felt incredible.
Mangatepopo Valley
Mangatepopo Valley Sunrise
Beautiful Alpine Flora
Mount Ngauruhoe
We hiked up the rocky path and steep ascent to Red Crater (highest point 1886m) and we were welcomed by the most amazing panoramic views!
We hiked up the rocky path and steep ascent to Red Crater (highest point 1886m) and we were welcomed by the most amazing panoramic views!
Mount Ngauruhoe South Crater
Ancient Lava Flows
Colourful Volcanic Rock
Red Crater Summit
Looking down the steep descent to the gorgeous Emerald Lakes made the perfect place for lunch, giving us time to soak up the scenery and embrace the beauty surrounding us. It is quite surreal to see steam rising up from the mountains!
Looking down the steep descent to the gorgeous Emerald Lakes made the perfect place for lunch, giving us time to soak up the scenery and embrace the beauty surrounding us. It is quite surreal to see steam rising up from the mountains!
Emerald Lakes View From Red Crater
Emerald Lakes Steam Vents
Gorgeous Emerald Colours
Emerald Lakes and Red Crater
Emerald Lakes
Afterwards, we made our way across to beautiful Blue Lake. The colours of the lakes are truly stunning! As is the view back towards the Tongariro mountain range.
Afterwards, we made our way across to beautiful Blue Lake. The colours of the lakes are truly stunning! As is the view back towards the Tongariro mountain range.
Blue Lake
Mount Ngauruhoe and Red Crater Summit
Tongariro National Park Mountain Range
We then zig-zagged our way down the northern slopes with views across to Ketetahi Hot Springs and Lake Taupo, and then ended our hike in the lush forest. It was a long day and incredibly satisfying - in fact, we loved it so much we went back a few days later to explore some more..!
We then zig-zagged our way down the northern slopes with views across to Ketetahi Hot Springs and Lake Taupo, and then ended our hike in the lush forest. It was a long day and incredibly satisfying - in fact, we loved it so much we went back a few days later to explore some more..!
Ketetahi Hot Springs
Alpine Flora
Path to Ketetahi Road