Tongariro Solo Adventuring

April as a whole was not very eventful in terms of quantity, but I did have some quality experiences I wouldn't trade for the world. The everyday grind of classes, internship and socializing had become so regular, it was hard to remind myself that this was going to end and I would have to reenter reality soon. Cate and I had established a really nice rhythm of work and it all came so naturally as we performed all the usual tests. It makes me laugh to think back to the start when I was a nervous wreck hoping I wouldn't mess something up. Basically, life was good and so was the weather, although it was starting to get a little cooler as we headed towards winter. But sweaters and scarves are my favorite attire so I wasn't too upset about that.

One trip I had been really wanting to do since arriving in New Zealand was to visit Tongariro National Park and do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; a day hike over volcanoes that promised some stunning views (well at least from the google images). 

Google Image of Tongariro National Park

The only problem was that I was afraid I'd waited too long for this particular endeavor since it was not the safest trek in bad weather and the weather was getting worse. We had a week off of classes/internships at the end of April, and I decided that I was going to do it, because if I didn't, I knew I would always regret it. Also, Mount Doom from LOTR is on this trek and there was no way I was going to come all the way to New Zealand and not visit Mount Doom, let's be serious. 

As I made plans for my trip, I realized that this was going to be my first real solo adventure which was pretty exhilarating. I booked my bus and hostel and packed my bags. The next day, not really knowing quite what to expect when I got there, I boarded my bus in Auckland and rode the 7 hours down to Tongariro National Park. On arriving, my shuttle driver pointed out all the volcanoes, but unfortunately there were all hiding behind a giant ominous spanse of gray rainclouds that threatened the success of my trip. My shuttle driver told all of us passengers that the rangers weren't letting people up on the volcanoes because of the dangerously high winds that could literally knock you off the top. She told us not to get our hopes up that they would let us go the following morning. Well that is certainly not something we wanted to hear. Needless to say, we were all pretty miserable once getting to the hostel. I met two girls on the bus that were staying in the same place so we chatted and played cards for the rest of the night after settling in. That night we went to sleep with fingers crossed for good luck that the weather would be forgiving. 

Success! 

When we awoke, the clouds were still dismal but huzzah! we were allowed to continue! I dressed in all the warm clothes I had and donned my raincoat but the hostel owner laughed and handed me a pure rubber rain slicker. "Trust me, you are going to be the coldest you've ever been in your life up there and you will thank me for this". With that encouraging sendoff we drove to the start of the crossing and began the journey.

The Beginning

 "If you're not back after 6 hours we are calling search and rescue, no discussion" said our shuttle driver who would return later to pick us up. Yikes, that didn't help much for my nerves. Oh well, here we go!

Half of the crossing was closed due to volcanic activity so we were only allowed to go so far before turning back. Unfortunately, the weather really was as bad as they said and we ended up having to turn back before that. We couldn't really see anything the entire trip anyways due to the rain clouds which was a real pity. But what did I expect? I was entering the depths of Mordor, it was supposed to be dangerous and challenging right? (I think I am taking this LOTR stuff too far). 

Our limited visibility

I was happy before we got to the top

 

While on the top of the mountains, the rain and wind ended up covering my legs in frost, and of course I forgot gloves. The hostel owner was right. I was so incredibly cold and my fingers were so swollen I couldn't even zipper my coat. I thanked her a million times in my head for that extra raincoat. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't had it. 

The start of Devil's Staircase

In the South Crater

The ring in Mordor!

Here's a short video I took after reaching the top of Devil's Staircase to give you an idea of how windy it was. (Mt. Ngauruhoe is Mt. Doom from LOTR)

We returned to the hostel and took hot showers that burned so deep but felt so good. Dinner, more cards and a movie were the order of the night and once bedtime rolled around we were all more than happy to turn in. Very exhausting, very cold, very extreme but very happy is how I would describe my experience at Tongariro. I pushed myself to places I'd never been and really left my comfort zone. I met new people and enjoyed some really great conversation. On the bus ride home the next day I sat next to a 10 year old boy who proudly told me his dad was an Orc in the LOTR movies. Ha what fun! We chatted and did some origami as the green hills rolled by, returning me to Auckland and the hustle and bustle of my every day.

Sidenote:

I have decided that I will return to New Zealand one day and when I do, I will complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in good weather and actually see it instead of just clouds.