Tongoriro Crossing

We were so lucky that the weather improved enough for us to get the most out of this classic walk. It is so popular that well over 1000 were also walking, so it was crowded in places. We were either stepping aside to let people pass us, or walking Indian file.

We passed through amazing volcanic scenery and climbed to 1990 metres at Red crater. We didn't climb Mt Ngaurauhre, the conical shaped, and very steep, volcano.

This view was kindly taken by a passer by of us descending the ash to the emerald lakes. Just stunning. After that we were only half way - we descended further on a zigzag track - then the last 6.5 km in bush seemed endless. The whole walk us almost 20km.

Definitely one of the best walks ever, despite the crowds.