Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

There’s always a light at the end of the frog.

Balloon Juice, where there is always someone who will say you’re doing it wrong.

Stamping your little feets and demanding that they see how important you are? Not working anymore.

“Cheese and Kraken paired together for the appetizer trial.”

The party of Reagan has become the party of Putin.

When do we start airlifting the women and children out of Texas?

When do the post office & the dmv weigh in on the wuhan virus?

Let’s show the world that autocracy can be defeated.

People really shouldn’t expect the government to help after they watched the GOP drown it in a bathtub.

Come on, media. you have one job. start doing it.

I might just take the rest of the day off and do even more nothing than usual.

Hi god, it’s us. Thanks a heap, you’re having a great week and it’s only Thursday!

It’s pointless to bring up problems that can only be solved with a time machine.

‘Museums aren’t America’s attic for its racist shit.’

Republicans: slavery is when you own me. freedom is when I own you.

Let me eat cake. The rest of you could stand to lose some weight, frankly.

Elections aren’t won by handwringing, cowering, and/or bashing your own candidates.

Well, whatever it is, it’s better than being a Republican.

New McCarthy, same old McCarthyism.

Cole, when it comes to calico cats, restraint is overrated.

Nothing says ‘pro-life’ like letting children go hungry.

They think we are photo bombing their nice little lives.

Republicans are radicals, not conservatives.

“Why isn’t this Snickers bar only a nickel?”

You are here: Home / Photo Blogging / On The Road / On The Road – Paul in St. Augustine – Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2

On The Road – Paul in St. Augustine – Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2

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Paul in St. Augustine

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best day treks in New Zealand, and it’s considered one of the top 10 day treks on the planet. It’s a one way 12 mile trip, beginning at an elevation of 3700 feet above sea level. The summit of the trek is at 6200 feet, and the trek ends at 2500 feet. Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Area, and in 1993 became the first in the world to receive a cultural World Heritage designation from that organization.

On The Road - Paul in St. Augustine - Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2 6

Ketatahi Carpark is the destination. Hiking time is seven to eight hours.

On The Road - Paul in St. Augustine - Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2 2

The trail began with a slow increase in elevation.

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As the ascent began, the trail became narrower.

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The Devil’s Staircase is the most difficult part of the ascent, climbing about 700 feet in slightly less than a mile.

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As you twist and turn your way up the Staircase, the scenery–and the weather–change dramatically.

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The next part of the trek is through the South Crater of Mt. Tongariro. A nice respite from the previous hour’s worth of climbing, with also a glimpse of the climb ahead.

On The Road - Paul in St. Augustine - Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2

At the time of this trip, mid November is the middle of spring, so the weather changes rapidly.

Reader Interactions

7Comments

  1. 1.

    annamal

    My grandmother celebrated her 80th birthday by walking Tongariro with the family, it was amazing.

  3. 3.

    stinger

    Fascinating! I love the “restfulness” of the South Crater portion (and the implication that there are other craters). Also, way to go, annamal’s grandmother!

    Looking forward to the follow-up set of photos, Paul!

  4. 4.

    JanieM

    Wow, that’s an amazing landscape. I like the way you’ve given us a sense of how it changes as you go on. Agree with stinger about annamal’s grandmother!

  5. 5.

    dnfree

    We were on a tour when we went to New Zealand in 2017, but it was a beautiful two weeks of varied and gorgeous scenery.  But we felt mild temblors while we were there and saw the damage in Christchurch. Thanks for sharing this hike.

  6. 6.

    way2blue

    So South Island?  The landscape is sparser than I would have imagined—reminds me of the Scottish Highlands.  Thanks for sharing.

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