Quick Trip – The Tongariro Crossing Pt. 1

2019 had just begun and I was about 3 weeks away from departing New Zealand.

My one year of travel in the country was basically over and I was ready for my next adventure.

But, before I left NZ, there was one adventure I still wanted to tackle…. The Tongariro Crossing (Say it with me, “Oooooo”).

Flash Back…

To February 2018. I was on a bus tour around New Zealand, when I learnt about this thing called The Tongariro Crossing. It’s this big day hike that takes about 8 hrs to complete over a distance of 19.4km/12.1miles. Apparently the views were absolutely spectacular and many people traveled to New Zealand to see it. Or so dem say buddy* (T: “So they said”)

The crossing is located in a small town called Taupo (Pronounced Toe-paw) in the centre of the North island. This meant you had to travel a distance to get there from any major city, find a place to stay, monitor the weather, find transportation to and from the hike itself (it’s about an hr away from the nearest town) and when it was just right – go on the hike.

It could be done all year round but is VERY weather dependent. NZ’s weather is super sporadic so you really only ever knew if you could do the hike the day of.

Long story short, timing is everything.

Not to mention the hike itself is one heck of a hike. It’s actually an Alpine Crossing. The first thing I thought when I heard that was, Alpine? Alpaca? Are we going to see Alpacas cross somewhere? I did not say this aloud to anyone though 😅 – praise Jah.

I quickly learnt this meant it was a mountainous hike, crossing along the terrain of a volcano at many different altitudes and through many different weather patters. Aka Ah na one joke* (T: “It is not a joking matter”).

Since it was so popular though, I told myself I’d make sure I’d come back to tackle it before I left the country. At the time, I hadn’t realized how much of a trek it would be to make it back to the town, much less hike up the trail. However, it was a goal I’d set and I wanted to accomplish it before I left.

Hello. People. Lemme tell you.

Global Gyal did it.

But, I DEFINITELY underestimated what I got myself into.

I think part of it was my Caribbean/small island, nonchalant upbringing that’s like “Meh” even when everyone’s telling you “Take this seriously. This is no joke”

My peoples, lemme break dis whole thing down for you (brace yourself).

The Planning Phases:

Time period to go on the hike: Late December, early January

I chose this time frame because:

1. It was summer aka less cold on the trek.
2. I had time off from work ’cause EVERYONE gets vacation between Christmas and Summer.

Next – Company

Can I get someone to do the hike with me? I tried my best, but finding an adventurous soul like myself who had the time off and funding to make such a trek did not work out for me. But, I set a goal, so I wasn’t waitin on nobody.

Pre-planning:

I spoke to and got advice about the trip from a few people – friends and family friends that had done it in the past. They gave me fair warning about the level of difficulty, what I would need to prepare and pack, advice on how to manage throughout, what to expect etc. etc.

I didn’t realize at the time, but I needed to think about hiking gear – the correct bag, water bottle(s), clothing – jackets, socks, shirts, shoes even – I had to pack for all 4 seasons because the weather had the potential to change so much. Luckily these folks had my back and told me about all these things.

This should’ve been a very good indication and when I should’ve thought “WHAAT ARE YOU GETTING YOURSELF INTO?!?”

Did I though? No.

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However, I organized and did the following over a period of 2 – 3 weeks:

1. Weather – Checked to see if the days I wanted to go had relatively good weather (ideally no rain).
2. Transport – Monitored the bus tickets to Taupo for a few weeks and bought them when they were at a decent price ($55USD/$86.99NZD return).
3. Shuttle – Scoured the internet for the best price for a shuttle to and from the hike itself ($23USD/$33NZD).
4. Accommodation – Contacted my Taupo connect (An ANTIGUAN at that!) and asked if I could stay by them during my time in the town, to which they said yes (lovely people) ($0).
5. Food – covered by my hosts but bought snacks for the journey ($13USD/$20 NZD).
6. Hiking gear – I borrowed a lot of the gear I used on the trek – winter jacket, hiking boots, camel bag, hat, gloves – all from friends and family friends that made sure I was going to be safe. I also bought a pair of special hiking socks ($17USD/$26.99NZD – dis bun ma heart*! (T:”It hurt me to spend that money” )

As time drew nearer to my departure, I started to feel that what I was about to embark on was not an easy task. I was no longer hearing “Oh it’s an absolutely beautiful trek, you must do it.” Instead, I heard “ You have to be very careful and cautious – the weather can change in the blink of an eye. You need to be prepared.” Or, stories of people who had gone on the trek but never made it back.

Was I going on a death trail?

Me? From the Caribbean? Hi hellooo.

At the same time, I remembered how much much positive feedback I got as well. It’s such a popular hike, so I put those comments and thoughts aside and kept myself on a positive note – I was going to be fine, this would be an amazing experience.

So, I jumped on the bus to Taupo…

Continue reading the rest of the story here in Pt. 2 & Pt. 3!