Tongariro Crossing is one of the best hikes in NZ, and a new addition to our all time top 10 hikes. A successful hike here is very weather dependent…some people hike it and see almost nothing due to frequent cloud cover. We waited 3 days for just the right day. The hike (or tramp, as they call it here) is 10 miles total, including a long, arduous uphill climb on all fours over a lava boulder field. The bottom photo shows a thankfully flat valley, surrounded by mist from warm thermals. At the top, we were rewarded with the spectacular view of the famous Emerald Pools. We saw 3 volcanoes total as we hiked across the saddle. A truly spectacular and exhausting day!
The All-American shoulders, the cool New Zealand hat, the movie star Clint-Eastwood-step-aside look, a devoted, pretty, YOUNGER woman at your side, it just does not get any better for your average grandpa.
If I was any happier, they’d have to put me in a coffin and send me to heaven!!