Discover the Spiritual Essence: The Soul of Tuwharetoa at Mt Tongariro, NZ

The second active volcano I climbed was Mt. Tongariro 🌋

The weather in mid-November is spring with a hint of summer heat. 🌿
There’s still some snow on the mountain, seemingly clinging to the cold at high altitudes, stubbornly refusing to melt. ❄️

In winter, the black and red volcano gradually turns snow white, the fusion of ice and fire, perhaps another kind of beauty. 🥹

I took the Alpine Crossing route of Mt. Tongariro, considered one of the best day hikes in the world. The total distance is 19.4km, with an elevation of 1,868m.
Starting from Mangatepopo Road and ending at Ketetahi Road. The two points are quite far apart, so we parked our car at the end and took a shuttle bus (NZD60 per person, including National Park admission ticket) to the start.

The climate of Tongariro has a large temperature difference, sometimes hot and sometimes cold. The wind speed at Red Crater is astonishing, making you feel like you could be blown over if you’re not careful 😂

Here are some tips based on my personal experience ⚠️:
🔹 The UV rays are very strong, sunscreen is a must.
🔹 Polarized + UV protection sunglasses 🕶️
🔹 Windbreaker, fleece/ down jacket — the temperature difference is too great, it’s better to bring more than to suffer from hypothermia.
🔹 It’s recommended to wear quick-drying, well-ventilated innerwear — you’ll be grateful for it when it gets hot.

🔹 Toilet paper — because the toilets have no water or toilet paper 😂
🔹 Gloves/hand warmers! Your fingers will freeze and hurt at Red Crater.

🌟 Fun facts:
🔸 This is one of New Zealand’s oldest national parks, donated by Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV.
🔸 It’s one of the filming locations for The Lord of the Rings.
🔸 The three main peaks in the volcanic complex: Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu — all are active volcanoes.
🔸 Mt. Tongariro erupted in 2012, breaking a century of silence.

This was my first time climbing a mountain in a country with four seasons.
The stunning scenery is a unique feature unseen in Asia, different views, but equally breathtaking (maybe I’m easily satisfied 🫣

No photo can capture even a fraction of its beauty, it’s absolutely worth experiencing it in person. Life, indeed, is worth it. 😊

I heard that the multi-day hiking routes on this mountain are also worth going, friends who have been there can share with me 🥹
🔺Note: The last two pictures have route details for reference.