The views on this trek are probably the pictures that have made, or will make you want to come to New Zealand. The Alpine Crossing is a 20km trek through Tongariro National Park, through which you will pass Mt Ngauruhoe aka Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings, the amazing emerald lakes, a steaming red crater and even an active volcano.
You can either drive to Tongariro, which is one hour south from Taupo, or book a shuttle bus to take you there. As our car is on the verge of death, we decided to book the shuttle. It picked us up at 5.30am and we arrived at Alpine Crossing at roughly 7am. Although we were very sleepy, the driver was more than awake and pointed out the mountains to us as well as telling us a little about what we were in for. We were also given a map on the shuttle bus, and told that we had to be done by 3-4pm as that's when the last shuttle leaves - and if you're not there, SEE YA.
Right from the very start, the track was beautiful. Slowly and steadily you climb upwards and upwards until you are literally above the clouds, which was amazing. As it's autumn, the mountains were covered in snow which made it even more picturesque. Stefan and I are not the fittest of people, but still managed to do it without too much hassle. So although the 20km, 7-8 hours of trekking may scare you (as it did me), don't let it put you off. It's a relatively easy track.
What we loved about this track was the diversity. You trudge through snow, stand on warm red land, pass icy green lakes, a steamy active volcano and then through a sort of jungle for the last part of the track, each creating their own amazing atmosphere.
Cost : The trek itself is free, but if you'd like to get the shuttle there (which picks you up from your Taupo accommodation) it costs $65pp.
Verdict : T - The highlight of New Zealand so far! The most breathtaking scenery I've ever seen.
S- A brilliant and versatile trek. Be sure to check the weather before you go!
T2S
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