April 13, 2011
Posted by Marina in Blackthorn walking Sticks, Canes and walking sticks, Irish walking Canes, New Zealand, Shillelagh, walking aid, Walking Canes
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Use your Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick on this One-Day Trek in New Zealand
One of the Best Places to Use an Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
One of the best places to use your Irish blackthorn walking stick is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, located in the northern part of New Zealand. This popular walking track provides the walker or hiker with plenty of challenge. Therefore, undoubtedly, you’ll need to make sure that you have your walking stick in tow. Indeed, you will cover a lot of mileage and see plenty of breathtaking scenery when you are aided by your sturdy, reliable blackthorn.The Starting Point for your Journey
If you start your journey near Wakapapa or in the Mangatepopo Valley, you will come across a variety of lava formations colored by indigenous blooms such as purple and pink foxgloves and sun-hued buttercups. This part of the journey gets you warmed up for the ascent ahead. It’s a nice way to become acclimated to walking and acquainting yourself with the unique landscape that is a part of this section of the country.
An Ascent that Will Require the Support of your Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick
You’ll definitely need the support of your Irish blackthorn walking stick as you ascend from the valley and head upwards to Mangatepopo Saddle. It’s well worth the effort though as you’ll be able to witness some spacious, if not majestic, views when you reach your destination point. From there, you’ll extend your journey to the active Red Crater. The volcanic depression marks the highest point on the alpine crossing.
A Little Bit of Ireland
When descending the track, you’ll come upon the amazing Emerald Lakes (so fitting to view “Emerald” lakes while toting an “Irish” blackthorn walking cane). These craters are filled with sparking, green water – reflections of the minerals that have seeped into the ponds from the surrounding landscape. Indeed, it seems like a little bit of Ireland has been painted onto the volcanic terrain.
A Myriad of Birdsat have seeped into the ponds from the surrounding landscape. Indeed, it seems like a little bit of Ireland has been painted onto the volcanic terrain.
As you continue to make your descent, depend on your Irish blackthorn to provide the needed balance and support while you meet the inviting canopies of the trees that mark the valley below.There, you will be greeted with the birdsong of such New Zealand bird species as the kaka, pipiwharauroa, kokako, korimako, piwakawaka, kakapo, tieke, tui, and ruru.
Planning your Walk – What to Bring and Wear
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a good 8-hour walk, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. You’ll definitely want to bring your walking cane as well as make sure that your shoes are comfortable and sturdy. In addition, it may not hurt to carry a GPS navigational unit so you can affirm the direction you are heading and your exact location. Regardless of the time of year, it’s always a good idea to wear a waterproof jacket too. Keep well-hydrated during your walk with plenty of water and snack on trail mix or goji berries to keep you fortified.
An All-Day Hike - Perfect for Making Use of an Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick
This interesting trek provides an adventure that takes you across cratered and volcanic-type terrain. Mt. Tongariro is an active volcano, which makes the hike even more exciting. The track is about 20K, or around 12 miles, and entails, as mentioned, about eight hours of continuous hiking. Therefore, it’s important that you feel pretty good about your overall degree of fitness. Probably the most challenging part of the track is the almost one-hour ascent up Mangatepopo Saddle. The final part of the walk, as noted, is one lengthy, spectacular descent.
One Unforgettable Walk
The moon-scape terrain is unforgettable and dynamic. Walking over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is just another good reason to purchase an Irish blackthorn walking stick.
