Tongariro Northern Circuit

Amazing 3 day / 2 night track at Tongariro!
Day 1: (Christmas Eve)
Short 25 minute walk to the first hut. Parked at the village, shuttle to the trailhead (because part closed due to damage from the recent wildfires. Chill day, met some good people: Stan (Dutch gem), Sabrina (Quebecois absolute character, girls from Taiwan & Malaysia, American guy.
Hut warden gave an informative chat in the evening.

Day 2: (Christmas 🎄)
Nice morning!! Warden surprised us by setting up gifts for everyone hanging on a string (chocolate marshmallow fish). Kate surprised with Baileys and a present! Had Baileys and coffee and a social morning.
Beautiful and amazing hike through the alpine/volcano section of track. TONS of day hikers doing the Alpine Crossing track.
Warm day, got to the hut and went for a super refreshing swim in the river!!
Nice social evening where we met friends that are headed to AUM (Brandon, Maple, Ali, Mahzad) and a couple that lives in Auckland (Lauren & Mike).
Had an amazing dehydrated Christmas supper! Mashed potatoes & gravy, lamb & vegetables. Wine & chocolate!
Best Christmas ever!!

Day 3: (Boxing Day)
Got an early start to beat the afternoon rain in the forecast.
Nice walk, past a lake and a nice waterfall.
Back at the van. Showered & got a nice brunch, went to campsite.Read more