Enjoying Perfect Weather: Why a Second Hike to Tongariro is Absolutely Worth It
I embarked on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for the second time, and despite both journeys taking around 7 hours, the experiences were worlds apart. The first time, in the heart of summer, a thick fog enveloped everything, leaving me with no visibility. This time, even though the temperature was a bit cooler, the weather was absolutely perfect.
I was treated to a stunning panorama of blue skies, majestic volcanoes, and shimmering lakes throughout the entire trek, offering breathtaking views at every turn!
To make the most of my trip, I planned to go black water rafting in the Black Abyss in Waitomo the day before tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This back-to-back adventure was not only convenient but also incredibly efficient. The Black Abyss exceeded all my expectations, starting with a thrilling vertical abseil into the cave.
From there, we trekked through the dark, navigated underground rivers, took daring jumps off cliffs, and climbed through narrow passages, all under the magical glow of thousands of bioluminescent glowworms. It felt like stepping into a real-life video game. One particularly mesmerizing feature was a circular opening in the cave ceiling, resembling a portal to another world, adding an almost surreal beauty to the experience.
To top it off, they provided hot drinks, cookies, and chocolate, a thoughtful touch that made the adventure even more enjoyable.
Tip: For those who wear glasses, I found it safe to store them in my insulated jacket when not in use. If you wear contact lenses, be extra cautious to protect your eyes during the jumps!
The next day, we set out for the actual Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We opted for the Ketetahi One Way Park N Ride Shuttle, parking our car at the endpoint and taking the shuttle to the start. This allowed us to walk straight back to our vehicle, making the logistics super convenient! The parking coordinates at the end are: 39°03’55.
5”S 175°40’02.0”E. Although there were “No Parking” signs along the roadside, the shuttle driver kindly let us park behind the barriers, and we didn’t receive any tickets (much to our relief). Image 3 provides a handy parking guide.
This time, the clear route and perfect weather made the Tongariro Alpine Crossing a truly unforgettable experience. Though it was physically demanding, the sense of accomplishment and the stunning scenery made it all worthwhile.
Should I go for a third time during Easter or the next long weekend? I’m already setting my sights on The Lost World, a 7-hour cave trek combined with a 100-meter abseil. It’s a new challenge, and I can’t wait to tackle it!
