Tongariro Northern Circuit - Day 1

The Great Walks are a group of ten multi-day hikes maintained by the mighty Department of Conservation. The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a four-day hike that circles Mount Ngauruhoe, an active volcano that portrayed Mt. Doom in the recent Lord of the Rings trilogy. Hikers pay a nominal fee to use the first-come first-serve huts that feature bunks, stoves, and fresh water. You could read more about the Tongariro Northern Circuit here but the text is small and you will likely get a headache before you get too far.

The first day of the walk (to Mangatepopo Hut) is gentle and the favourable weather forgives our late start. The day is not free of drama, however. One of our fellow trampers cannot resist the lure of the volcano summit and sets off to scale it despite the lengthy posted round-trip time. His friends assure all that he is very fit and will have no trouble with the task, but their conviction fades as the darkness grows. By nine, they collect flashlights and form a search party; twenty minutes later, the hut warden and we join them. Naturally, he turns up immediately after the hut warden has been dispatched to issue a distress signal to park officials. He apologizes profusely to all who will listen with a polish that could only be achieved with years of practice.