We previously reported how our American visitors started their Kiwi style holiday on TRM’s “water-strider” rafts cruising down the Tongariro River before Christmas. That was just a warm up to many other tramps and trips. Since then we have been waiting for the perfect conditions to knock off the BIG one.
We hoped to provide a daily update on their many other holiday activities but the usual busy silly season got in the way. We can report they finished in grand style yesterday when they climbed Mt. Ruapehu as a fitting climax. The selfies below of Thad (& TRM’s guide, James) tell the story for us.
This ascent cannot be taken lightly. Fine weather is absolutely essential. It was worth waiting for. TRM has promoted this one day climb for many years as a better alternative to get away from the crowds on the Tongariro Crossing. Compare – the tramping distance is less with no parking hassles, no queuing, even a fine cafe to provide a caffeine boost at the end of the tramp. If a tourist of reasonable fitness level can manage the Tongariro Crossing then they will love the climb up Mt. Ruapehu. As indicated in the photos, the track (?) is not so defined but that adds to the adventure.
We know from many visitor reports over the last ten years. TRM has provided support for many others who confirm this tramp to be one of the best. TRM can help our inmates with essentials such as maps, walking poles (old ski poles), sun hats, warm jackets, packs, boots etc.
Yesterday they estimated there were a total of only about ten other tourists making the most of the fine summer conditions – compared to over a thousand on the Tongariro Crossing. Where would you rather be?
Trampers have to time it right to catch the first 10 am gondola (Sky Waka) from Whakapapa and need to plan for about 5 hours walking to comfortably return in time for the last 4 pm shuttle down back to the car parks.
As illustrated, they did not need winter climbing gear and crampons and ice axes at this height of the summer season. Just comfortable walking boots and sun hats and strong walking poles (recycled ski poles) and a keen sense of adventure were most important.
They waited two weeks before we were confident of a suitable fine day. Apart from the physical challenge, an important consideration is to maximise the views from the highest point in the North Island- 2797m. Otherwise, it may all appear to be futile. Yesterday it cleared long enough for them to see Mt. Taranaki (or is it now Mt. Egmont?) and to even glimpse the curvature of the Tasman Sea on the horizons out west. They could almost see Australia.
Thad confirms it was worth waiting for. The rugged alpine moonscape is extraordinary – right out of LOTR.
This excursion alone made their NZ visit worthwhile. It should be on your bucket list too.
The brief TRM video was posted over ten years ago to promote Mt. Ruapehu and to avoid the many complaints we received about crowding and parking hassles for the Tongariro Crossing. (TRM’s guide was wearing the yellow T-shirt)