The YHA is a little walk from the bus stop and from Lake Taupo but this does mean that it is very quiet. The town once again is all low rise development but it is buzzing with backpackers who are drawn here for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (advertised as the best one day hike in New Zealand).
Having booked two nights in Taupo I had just one day to complete the crossing - so booking it for the next day I settle in to the accommodation and find out a little about the tramp - most people I speak to state that it is a 7hr+ tramp with some fairly tough sections…
Waking up to a foggy morning (5am) 0_0 I wait outside for the bus to take me to the start of the Tongariro Alpine crossing… It arrives at 5.30am and I am checked in with two other adventurers from the YHA (names and phone numbers are taken in case they need to call out mountain rescue!!) - The bus is full by the time we are underway (all 49 seats!!) so the early start is definitely popular ;) On route we are informed that the weather forecast is for fine clear weather after the early morning cloud and fog burns off… After almost two hours on the road we arrive at the start of the crossing where several walkers hire equipment for the trip (jackets, boots, packs and snacks are available) before checking out the sign at the start - Tongariro Alpine Crossing 19.5km…
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