Tongariro Northern Circuit

We took a weekend off in October to hike the Tongariro Northern Circuit, another one of New Zealand's Great Walks. An awesome time!

Tongariro National Park is home to 3 massive volcanoes rising out of the plains. One was used as "Mt. Doom" in the Lord of the Rings.

Mike, one of Lynette's good friends, organized the trip for them and their co-workers. We were lucky enough to be included!

The little figures are Christian and me on our way to go behind the waterfall.

Lower Tama lake.

We could not hike on the third day because of the weather. We were rewarded with spectacular snow covered vistas on the fourth and final day.

Mike was worried about snow blindness, so those without sunglasses used thin clothing instead.

Mike, Team Leader.

The top of the pass.

Balloons on the snowy crater.

The hike up from Red Crater.

The Emerald Lakes.

We were all alone up in the craters, and as soon as we started descending we were joined by 300 day hikers coming the opposite way. A strange wake up back to reality! Here they are walking across the snowy plains as if on pilgrimage.

We hiked back along the river, I mean the track.

Thanks Lynette!!!