The weather looked good for our first day on the tramp so we set out early and completed the normal 'day one' in 2 and a bit hours so embarked on the most famous section of the trek; the Tongariro Alpine Crossing'. After climbing steeply for a hour, we decided to add a side trip up to the lofty summit of Mount Ngauruhoe, a perfect volcanic cone and another relentless 500m slog up its uniform scree slopes. At the top however, we were rewarded with fantasic views of the large Mount Ruepahu, Mount Tongariro itself and the enitre of Lake Taupo to the north. We carried on the circuit to the Ketahai Hut passing stunning craters and volcanic lakes.
The next day we descended into the moonscape of Outere Valley and traversed the eastern barren slopes of Mount Ngahoue to another hut. The final day however dawned wet and very misty and we trudged for 5 hours back to the start without seeing any views for a bit of a rest. It however a fantastic tramp!
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