Tongariro Crossing

Tongariro Crossing is a 18.5km hike on mountains and volcanoes outside of Lake Taupo. This was the most extreme hike I have ever done. We had to wear crampons (ice breakers attached to you boot) and walking sticks and an Ice Pict. It was stunningly pure scenery and overall it took 8 hours to complete. We stopped for lunch on top of a frozen lake and descended the mountain partially by sliding down parts on our butts. Our main guide was a stud named Sarah who guided this hike 5 or 6 times a week... I was impressed.