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Wanderings Day 21

The start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from the Mangatepopo Valley side
Mt Ngāuruhoe

Today we are staying in the Tongariro National Park. This time to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – a 19km ish hike through an old glacial valley and up the side of a volcano, along the craters at the top and down the other side.

Mt Taranaki in the distant cloud
Nearly at the top of Mt Tongariro

I have completed the Crossing a number of times since I’ve been in New Zealand. Each time the mood of the mountain is different but each time magical in its own way.

The edge of Red Crater looking towards the Kaimanawa Ranges in the distance
Ngāuruhoe hiding Ruapehu behind him

These are pics from a particularly spectacular trip on a clear May day after some early snows.

Fumes from Red Crater
Looking south from the end of North Crater – along Red Crater to Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu in the distance

More magic and another pure space to be so grateful for!

Fumes from Te Maari Crater seen on the descent towards Ketetahi Carpark and the end of Crossing
Early morning light on Ruapehu from Piper’s Ski Lodge, National Park

Go outside, often, sometimes in wild places. Bring friends or not. Breathe.

Florence Williams