Sunrising @ Whakapapa Village, with Mt Ruapehu in the background
We woke up early (as it's a very very important day, we are finally walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing!) and drove towards Whakapapa. Early enough even to watch the sunrise. Haven't seen a sunrise for ages in NZ with its cloud always hanging around. So we just park by the road side and take in the view together with our breakfast! OMG Look at the sky... so clear!
The best weather in 2 weeks, the shuttle bus driver told us! Yahoo....it's worth to wait for the weather after all :) we got on the ROAM bus service at 7am and started walking around 7.30am. The sun shines on us, this 17km (19.4km for the full track) should be one of the best tracks in NZ.
Mangetopopo Valley..
The unusual black formation is known as 'dike', formed as molten magma moved to the surface through a vertical channel in the crater wall, having solidified at its outer surface, the dike was later left partially hollow when the magma drained from below. Being more resistant than the surrounding scori! Erosion by wind and rain has now left this structure exposed.
The red colour is from high temperature oxidation of iron in the rock.
A long long way to go up, but we are too excited to be tired!
Passing by Mt Ngauruhoe, real close up view...
There's a side track to go up Mt Ngauruhoe (2287m) about 3 hrs return.
Mt Ngauruhoe, which is Mt Doom in Lords of the Rings movie. This was the scene where the ring was forged and the only place that it can be destroyed. It is around 5000years old, far younger than the 265,000 years old Mt Tongariro and Mt Ruapehu. It's shape is the classic volcanic cone with steep slope of 30degree.
Steepest part, South crater to Red Crater
Mt Tongariro summit, 1967m 1.5 hrs return walk
LOVE this VIEW...!!! @ Emerald Lakes
To get this picture is not easy for me, (Ange) as the terrain is so steep, with loose small rocks, so slippery.. and I'm scared of falling of the hill =.=
Emerald Lakes
Minerals leaching from the adjoining thermal area cause their brilliant colour. "Greenstone-hued lakes"... So beautiful.. Unfortunately, the track beyond this point is closed due to the hazardous area.. Although you may see some people down the lake.. Walk at your own risk! There may be eruptions anytime though... We stayed up here, to see these beautiful green lakes, recharging our energy with our yummy lunch =)
Red Crater, the red part in the foreground..
Is really stunning! The summit of Red Crater, 1886m is the highest point on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Though not the first time looking inside a crater, this one definitely raises our hair as it's still active & steaming! It looks kind of red devilish though, after imagining those scenes from Lord of the Ring.. hehe..
Mt Ngauruhoe
The weather is so clear that we can see Lake Taupo (About 90km away) from Red Crater.
Admiring the beauty of nature...
Soda Springs
Finally we get to walk on this track which we have waited for long. Since arriving NZ. Now with only less than 10 days in NZ, our hearts are ever more captured by this land. Yes indeed, the best day walk ever. Although we weren't able to walk the full track, the stunning volcanoes, colored lakes and lava traces can all be seen in this 3 hr one way walk which is so easily accessible =)
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
