Today was one of those days when it was hard to choose a single picture. I knew it would be though because I was going to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and in the perfect weather conditions my friend Phil and I had, it promised to be a spectacular day.

This trek is said to be among the best single-day treks in the world and it’s not hard to see why. Passing over the volcanic rock and ash landscape, the 19.4-kilometer (12.1 mi) hike climbs to 1,886 m (6,188 ft) giving amazing views of Mount Ngauruhoe and the multi-cratered active volcano Mount Tongariro.

Steam and sulphur dioxide gas rise from many active fumaroles along the trail, coloring the rock and ash with strange shades of yellow and red. However, while the views are amazing, I was transfixed by the beautiful and almost unbelievable turquoise color of the mountain pools that are tinted by the volcanic minerals dissolved in them.

After the hike, Phil and I went for a steak dinner and some beer before heading to some nearby hot springs for some well-earned relaxation. All in all, it was an amazing day and a perfect way to celebrate Phil’s 40th birthday which was today.

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Experience a part of the trail using Google Street view.