It is exciting day to go famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. People said this the best day hike in New Zealand, and it is the only reason I came in Taupo. I leave the hostel at 5:10 am to get the shuttle, and arrived at the Mangatepopo car park about 1 hour and half. I started hiking at 7 am, and it was 1:20 pm when I came down the other side of trail. It is little chilly when I start, and soon I got warmer because of sweat.
Going up is easy, but going down was more difficult for me. Most of the sections are exposed to the sun, but the last few km are shaded by trees.
After returning to the hostel, I cheered my accomplishment with fruit and pork belly.