Hitting Peaks in NZ: Mount Tongariro & Mardi Gras

This post leaves off from "Holy Kiwi, I am in New Zealand." 

The three of us were at the top of the alpine crossing of Mount Tongariro.  We hit the peak of the hike.

The ground was toasty. 

View to the east

Three main valleys to look down into. One was behind us, where we had originated. The second was to the right of us, with no trail except a drop off that made me think of some back-country skiing. And the third in front we descended down into. 

Frozen sulfur lake

The group ahead of us looked like ants crossing a valley of white desert. It lead straight to the volcano that started to release large plumes. I got a little spooked. 

Bottom left are a group of people walking
(WATCH) the next video!

At the top was the summit of the crossing

Down from the muddy rock trail, we checked out frozen sulfur lakes. During the summer hikes, these are a mesmerizing turquoise hue.

In front: Lake Rotopounamu
Back: Lake Taupo

Now once you crossed that snow valley you came on the view of Lake Rotopounamu and Lake Taupo. On the right was the volcano, it had calmed down but was still an active thing nonetheless.

Towards the end of the hike we saw craters that blasted rock had dented into the hillside.  We had made it to the final 2.5-hour leg of our hike.  Through a jungle landscape with hidden streams that provided a soothing finishing. 

With our business handled, we headed to  the biggest celebration on the north island, Mardi Gras. We pulled into Ohakune looking for a camp, then caught a shuttle to town. We had purchased our tickets in advance so we were guaranteed access to a festival that sells out weeks in advance.

Major bass and electro DJs set off the party mixing rap songs while the crowd bumped in motion. Even though temperatures were in the high 40's. People came out in costumes that put USA Halloween parties to shame.

(Excuse my camera, it could not handle the bass) 

The plan was to get as drink as much as we could afford to stay warm.  Hats off to the event organizers who had large plumes of fire shot out over above the crowd, setting off a night of hot flashes.

Real Fire

The second peak hit me when I gave bunny man a hug and danced with my friends and strangers to a new tune, the New Zealand beat.