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My Favourite Walk: Taking time on the Tongariro

Taking time on the Tongariro

By Dorothy Johnstone

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For those who are not confident in choosing to attempt the challenging Tongariro Aline Crossing, an alternative is to take your time and enjoy part of what is on offer, which can be equally stimulating and rewarding.

Therefore, on 5 January 2021, while my fit, long legged son-in-law strided out the full track (yet again for the fifth time) accompanied by his two brothers and sister-in-law (the first time for them), my daughter and I navigated the commencement of the track at a much more leisurely pace.

To be sure, my light-weight walking stick, which unfolds into a chair, ideally serves the purpose well to sit upon while resting. In fact it drew plenty of attention and was envied by numerous young people as they passed me by while trudging it out.

Sadly, I noted (for whatever reason) many by-passed the short

Above left: Walking buddies daughter and mother with Mt

Ngauruhoe in the background.

Below left: Possibly the prettiest toilet in New Zealand..

Below middle: Colourful rocks along the way.

Below right: Flowers along the way add colour.

detour off the track to Soda Springs in order to reach this landmark before continuing on their trek. My goal, however, was to endeavour to reach Soda Springs and view the pretty waterfall above the springs. Bearing in mind the stops along the way, the time taken for us was approximately one and a half hours.).

By contrast, we returned to base in one hour where we stopped at the purpose built shelter to have our picnic lunch, accompanied by two pretty, unusual birds.

Besides viewing numerous mountain flowers, coloured stones, lichen, and vegetation, a surprising feature on route was the welcome sight of what must surely be the prettiest outdoor toilet in New Zealand. The structure is encased with paintings of flora-and-fauna.

To the doubting Thomas’s who fear being unable to experience stepping foot on this intriguing mountain, I encourage you to check the weather forecast and allow plenty of time to simply just meander along part of the track and take in the glorious scenery as mentioned previously.

Above left: We made it. At the purpose built shelter.

Above right: Resting at Soda Springs with the waterfall in the background.

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