This is widely regarded and NZ’s best one-day trek, so, on my G-adventures description it says; “Traverse dramatic volcanic landscapes, pass shimmering emerald lakes, and marvel at alpine views” and this was 100% accurate.

It is a 19.4km challenging trek though Tongariro National Park’s active volcanic landscapes, featuring lava flows, steam vents, and the stunning emerald lakes, taking 6-8 hours and requiring good fitness, proper gear. It took me 7 hrs, I feel I could have pushed myself to do better, however, it has motivated me to push myself harder at the gym and outside when I get back. I feel even if I had done more loops of Redburn or worked out on a staircase in the gym this would have helped enormously. It was a demanding and rewarding experience which also has significant cultural, this place is sacred to the Maori’s and respect is asked for the mountains and waterways and natural importance. No litter not even an apple or banana skin can be left behind as there is no natural ability for it to decompose in this landscape. For Lord of the Rings fans Mount Ngauruhoe was featured as Mount Doom.

Highlights: Red Crater (highest point), Emerald lakes, Blue Lake, Volcanic craters and Diverse Landscapes.

Weather: The weather is unpredictable; check for alearts for hazardous conditions like high winds or snow.

People from our group fell into natural ability groups on this trek and the first crew in finished it in 5 hrs so had to wait for 2.5 hrs for the final ones to finish. Barbara (a lovely Polish girl, now working in Singapore and I buddied up). James had arranged to pick us up at 4pm and broadly arrived in when we arrived into the car park.

There are a huge number of steps to both climb up and walk down and although overall I was fine, the issue on my left foot just below the ankle really was tired and getting very painful by the time I finished mainly caused by the down stepping. The other major hazard on this trek was the shale of volcanic stones from the top which made it like a ski slope, thankfully a guide from another group gave me some tips and that helped enormously – front foot straight and back foot to the side and lean in, you could take a really nasty toss on this stuff!

Homeward bound to our accommodation, I hadn’t got much sleep from the last 2 nights max 3-4 hrs and I have a very strange feeling I might sleep tonight! So a well earned dinner and bed by 8.30 pm for me.

Blue Duck Station here we come tomorrow….