Tongariro Alpine Crossing: 9-Hour Hike Adventure & Scenic Challenge

Finally made up my mind to embark on this trail, and the breathtaking scenery ahead is more than enough to make the physical exertion worthwhile.

🚗 Itinerary:
1. The start and end points of the trail are in different locations, so we booked a 7:15 AM round-trip shuttle on the official website. The shuttle will drop us off at the trail entrance and pick us up at the endpoint, returning us to our accommodation.
(The last shuttle from the endpoint on the official website departs at 5:30 PM)

🧤🧥🧣🥾 Gear:
1. We packed down jackets, windbreakers, hiking pants, quick-dry T-shirts, baseball caps🧢 (the wind at the crater was fierce, blowing my cap off twice), gloves (I lost one before even starting the climb😅). Without gloves🧤, it’s extremely cold, so don’t forget sunglasses🕶️.
2. The local temperature is cooler than Auckland; a down jacket in the morning is perfect (for us).

3. When crossing the crater, the wind is relentless, and there’s a high chance your baseball cap🧢 will be swept away, so a beanie is recommended. Zip up your windbreaker all the way, or bring a scarf or bandana to prevent the wind from blasting into your mouth, nose, and chest.
4. Anti-slip hiking shoes are essential.

Although we wore relatively comfortable and anti-slip shoes, proper hiking shoes are highly recommended. Most of the trail consists of loose gravel and rough paths, especially when crossing the crater, where it’s almost entirely loose gravel.
5. Trekking poles. My knees were very sore on the descent, and I relied heavily on the trekking poles😃.

🍱 Food and Water 🥃:
1. We brought about 1 liter of hot water and 2 bottles of 1.5L Blue Spring Water. (We had one bottle of Blue Spring Water left at the end)
2. A pack of pistachios, a pack of salted almonds, and two salted eggs, mainly to replenish salt. You can also bring beef jerky or similar.
3. Four Snickers bars. (Three left, for a sugar boost)
4. Homemade cookies. (Brought six, one left, for a sweet treat)

Other [Recommendations]:
1. Tissues🧻. There are basic toilets🚽 every few kilometers, but they are very rudimentary.
2. Hand sanitizer.
3. Trash bags. You need to carry out your own trash.
4. Bring some gum or candy to pass the time.
5. Keeping warm is crucial.
6. The weather on the mountain can change rapidly, so always stay alert and adjust your plans accordingly.

7. We started around 8 AM, taking photos, eating, and resting, and arrived at the endpoint by nearly 5 PM.
8. Using Blue Lake as a dividing line, the first half is more challenging with stunning views, while the second half is easier, offering views of Lake Taupo and endless mountains⛰️, which can be a bit hard on the knees.

After-effects🩹:
1. That night, my knees, calves, forefeet, thighs, waist, and shoulders were sore.
2. The next day, my calves, forefeet, and shoulders were still aching.
3. On the third day, my calves and buttocks were sore.

In the end, reading a thousand travel guides is not as rewarding as just going on a spontaneous adventure.