Glasses would have helped to combat weary eyes, protecting them from the cold.

The cone of Mt Ngauruhoe is hidden in the mist in the back.

The first few kilometres of the path is well built and maintained, to help combat erosion.

First bits of snow visible as we make our way up the mountain.

A bit of sludgy snow.

South Crater is still extensively covered in snow.

The start of the final 1.5km to the top of Mt Tongariro.

I guess this is what is called a “white-out” – when mist and snow become one and you can’t see the horizon or anything other than white.

The narrow slippery path on the side of the mountain got a bit scary at times.

Gerry at the summit.

And me. 🙂

Still up for a bit of fun.

Not sure why I decided to have a little sit at this point.

The beacons still visible, this one buried rather deep.

Mainly off the snow – heading down to South Crater.

The wind threatened to blow me off the mountain.

Minus seven degrees Celsius is rather cold.

Stopping for a bite to eat and a short rest before heading down the last bit.

Having some fun in the snow. Just don’t take your gloves off for more than a few seconds.

Uhum. Just goofing around with an ice pick that wasn’t really necessary.

Dark clouds looming in the distance.

South Crater.

It is very hard to imagine temperatures of minus seven degrees Celsius, in icy winds and sleet, when you are tucked up cosy and dry in front of a fire. We were contemplating the day ahead over a cold happy hour beer in the comforts of The Park lodge in National Park Village, before turning in for a good nights sleep.

In the morning we chatted about the weather to the gentleman who prepared our breakfast – a friendly old bloke who’s probably lived around the area forever. He gave the mountain one good look as thick clouds were rolling over the mountains tops, and announced with a chuckle: “maybe your hike will turn into an adventure!”. Bummer? Yay? Always trust the local knowledge. But not to be deterred, we quickly grabbed out stuff and headed towards the Mangatepopo Road End where we parked the car for the day, hoping we might beat the looming inclement weather. Continue reading →