Bruce Hopkins takes on the Tongariro Crossing against the flow of trampers coming the other way.

Bruce continues to fill in the blanks, taking on the big one - Tongariro . He still has the Whanganui River and the Tararuas to go before making it to the South island.

Bruce Hopkins Trail Diary - Week 17, 3 February - 9 February 2018
Tongariro Alpine Crossing

"I'm a little anxious about this actually - Tongariro Crossing. Such a renowned climb ...

"Whenever I go near a location that's meant to have spectacular views, the mist and rain clouds will come in, and I'll have no views other than the mist in front of my face

"Once I complete all that it's into the Tararuas (Tararua Forest Park)... and then I've finished the North Island.

"... I've always thought New Zealand should just declare itself an organic farm for the world.

"I dunno, the idea of being in a hut with 18 or 19 other people ? ... I kinda thought, nah, I'll just go and get my little tent

"We interrupt this program to bring you a self-indulgent moment just expressing how stunning this is!

" The moments of joy and beauty and bliss only come because the walking was done ......

"That's why rich people get helicopters."

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details