Tongariro, The River Road and Wellington

We arrived at Tongariro National Park (Icon B) from Lake Taupo (A) an hour before sunset, the drive down the lake and through the rolling and mountainous countryside was beautiful. For only NZ$5 each we stayed in the car park of ´The Park Travellers Lodge´and got full use of there facilities which included a fully equiped kitchen, hot showers and best of all a bar complete with log fire.

Our route through this blog

The next day we had to be up early as we planned to do the ´Tongariro Alpine Crossing´ widely regarded as one of the best day walks in the world. Before we went to bed we made a delicious warming meal of local green mussels with a spicy chicpea stew. It was delicious and drew envious glances from the other guests. We were so hungry and excited we forgot to take a photo so you will have to take our word for it.

The next morning the hotel had arranged a very early transfer, for us and other guests, to the start of the trek and a then transfer home from the other side 8 hours later. We started the trek under enveloping cloud and the bitter frost of dawn.

Early on

As we walked we couldn´t see that far ahead of us or our surroundings. Then suddenly after around 30 minutes we caught our first glimpse of the volcano, Mt Tongariro, through the breaking clouds.

The cone of Mt Tongariro

The first 45 minutes or so of the walk were fairly easy going and flat however things changed as we approached the foot of the very steep Tongariro Saddle. It took a very tiring 45 minute walk, all uphill, to reach the next plateau which gave stunning views of the volcano. During the walk up we shed most of layers as we were so hot.

Leanne struggling with the ascent

We continued for a while at the same level before descending into the first of two old craters. It was very surreal walking through them, the landscape was different to anything we have every seen before.

As you can see the colours were very vibrant from in the crater. The volcano had a spash of red at its peak. We walked for some time before slowly ascending out of the crater to spectacular views of where we had walked.

From here we climbed a little higher untill we reached what was the highest point of the walk. At one side we could see a similar view to above of Mt Tongariro and from the other side more volcanic terrain and three dazzling emerald lakes.

Look at Meee

After stopping for a while to take in our sensational surroundings, we descended steeply towards the emerald lakes, the surface was very loose and rocky, needles to say we both lost our footing a few times on the way down.

Taking a tumble

As we got closer to the lakes we started to feel hungry so we picked a scenic spot for lunch. We scoffed down 2 chicken, lettuce and cherry tomato sandwiches each and some fruit.

We walked around the lagoons for a while taking in the amazing colours and the many steam vents scattered between them.

Amazing view

After the lagoons we walked through another crater, once at the other side the landscape changed dramatically, from the barren volcanic landscape to the more vegetated green hills that led down to the forest and lakes below. With one last look behind us at the path we had taken we descended for our final 2 hours. 

The whitish line is part of the path we took

By this point we had been walking almost non stop for around 5 hours and it was beginning to take its toll on our feet. We wearliy trudged down to the last rangers hut on the trek for a quick rest and water before making our final winding way down through the bush to our waiting bus. 

The long winding road home

Despite it giving us several blisters and aching limbs it was one of the best days we have had so far during our travels. It was challenging but  rewarding. On the bus back to the lodge everyone on the bus fell asleep.


That night after a much needed meal we retreated by the log fire for a well deserved drink or two. 

The next morning we woke with our joints a little stiff and a few blisters on our feet and set off on our drive to Wellington. We decided to take a scenic detour and drive down the Whanganui River road, which wasn´t really on the way at all but we had a bit of time and wanted to drive down it. The road twists and turns on sometimes unsealed road for 80km following the Whanganui River from Pipriki (C) to Whanganui (D). I think you would agree it was worth the detour as the views were magnificent.

After the stunning drive we stopped for lunch before finishing our drive to Wellington (E). Luckily the one night we stayed in Wellington  coincided with the late night opening of the wonderful Te Papa museum. There was a lot to see with numerous interactive exhibits and a ´colossal squid´ We spent a few hours there exploring the before having a meaty burger. 

Big mouth

The following morning before catching the ferry to Picton (F), in the South Island we had some free time so drove up to a view point overlooking to city. It was a good job we did have time as we got lost on the winding roads to the top.

Our first rainy day in New Zealand

The ferry ride took 3 hours. The last hour of the journey is very scenic as the ferry cruises through the Marlborough Sounds.

Entering the Sounds

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the North Island but we were eargly anticipating our journey through the South Island and couldn´t wait to begin. Find out if it lived up to expectations in our next blog.