Today we did a huge, 7 hour hike through the Tongarrio National Park, in the middle of the North Island. This is where they filmed "Mordor" in the Lord of the Rings films. It lives up to this image- stark volcanoes with only low, alpine growth, some thermal vents spouting off smelly gases, cool thermal pools, and at the top it was incredibly windy & cold. Here are some images. As you can see, there was lots of snow under-foot.
Personally, (Laura here) I barely survived, my legs hurt so bad at the end! It's good to push one's self every now & again. Eric was just fine- it was incredibly steep going both up & down, and we saw a group turn around it was just too hard. There are tons of people who do this trek every day, and some that can do it in less than 5 hours, amazing!
6 comments:
Just enlarged the second photo. There are PEOPLE down there!
So--how may kilometers was the hike? :-)
Thanks for keeping us posted.
Laura!!!!!
I am so excited for you that you are in NZ! I went almost two years ago- south island only for two weeks- so these photos of "mordor" are only strengthening my desire to go back some day.
By the way- we haven't seen each other since we were 17- and you still look the same my friend!
Since you are driving- see if you can get your hands on some local music- two discs I recommend that are great for the road trip portions are Conscious Roots- volume one- and Fat Freddy's Drop-Based on a True Story.
Also- when I was in Picton we caught this great band in a teeny bar called Hot Club Sandwich- really fun gypsy jazz style music.
Lots of love always-
Lydia
PS-will there be any bungee cords involved in your trip? I highly recommend!
Yeah Mordor! Glad you are having fun.
Lovies!
wow what a hike...it looks beautiful. we are in new york city. about two hours out from seeing steve...i cant wait!!! SO GLAD YOU GUYS FOUND A LITTLE TIME TO CHILL CHOCOLATE CAKE AND CHAMPAGNE SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT COMBO ...OOPS I TURNED ON THE CAPS
Hey y'all! The Cobb's say hey from New York, New York!! Taylor, Dylan and I wish you the best. You look like you're havin' a great time. Stay young and whatever you do, take care of your shoes!!
For everyone to see your hike from space, on Google Maps:
Click here
Your story reminds me how it took me and my hiker friends about 9 hours to traverse a Grand Canyon trail ... and some schmuck RAN past us, yelling that he does this trail daily in about 2 hours (round trip!). Your hike looks far more gorgeous ... and less likely to die from dehydration. :-)
You guys continue to rock!
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