Amazing - WOW WOW WOW
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is billed as one of the best day walk in NZ and it certainly doesn't disappoint. The trek is 19.4km across active volcanoes which means it's gets a bit smelly at times.
We started before 8am on a crisp, chilly morning. I was glad of my down jacket I'd carried for the last 2 weeks but not used so far. The 1st hour was a gentle walk followed by 2 and a half hours of hard uphill. We got to the Red Crater ridge and then looked down to the Emerald Lakes. Some difficult steep scree to negotiate. From then all downhill. About 6 hours walking in total.
In parts it was very windy & cold, sunny, we walked on snow and ice, gravel and well kept paths. But it's certainly the best day walk I've ever done.
I have loads more photos if anyone wants to see them when I get back.