Friday, March 9, 2012

New Zealand's North Island: Climbing "Mt. Doom"

Looking at our schedule Ellen and I figured we were going to be a little pressed for time and decided to shorten our stay on the North Island. So, rather than tackling the famous Tongariro Crossing we opted for the shorter and less-frequently traveled route up Mt. Ngauruhoe a/k/a "Mt. Doom" from Lord of the Rings. I'm not really sure how to describe the experience. The terrian is strange (picture Frodo crossing the marsh) and the scree slope near impossible to ascend. But the view from the top made it well worth the effort. Plus, you learn that Frodo was just being a drama queen making it look so hard in the movie.


On the descent.

The route shares the same first six kilometres as the Tongariro Crossing before turning right and up a 2200 ft. scree slope. We began around 11:00 a.m. on what looked like a perfect day. But the sky turned cloudy in the hurry and the summit quickly became shrouded in cloud.


Mt. Doom is the perfect cone on the right.


Route to the summit.

The scree slope increases gradually in steepness and making forward progress on the slippery rock becomes futile. On several occassions we thought about quiting. The slope was too steep and we were enveloped completely by cloud. But then we discovered the trick (or, perhaps, we were simply on the wrong line from the start): to make the climb possible you have to traverse over to the rock band on the left as soon as possible and scramble the final 1000 ft to the summit. Once there it's easy sailing. And there was Frodo's mistake -- trying to claw his way up the scree! (Seems as though the Ring didn't help either.)


The slope.

The final approach.

Mt. Doom is an active volcano that takes the shape of a perfect cone. So, at the top, you're treated to 360 views of the surrounding peaks and lake as well as a somewhat terrifying glimpse into the volcanic crater at the summit. To our surprise the clouds actually cleared some upon our arrival and the view improved dramatically. As they say: Set yourself up to be lucky!


The view from the top.