R is for Red Crater: high point of the Crossing, 1886m

Gaping Red Crater, Mt Tongariro

Remarkable colours of Red Crater

Having slogged up the steep, rocky ridge we were in awe of what came next, we were right on the edge of the gaping Red Crater, looking into the surreal colours and shapes.

It felt raw and ripped and at the same time velvety.

The weather was much cooler, the wind came up, we added a layer and took in this weird, stupendous place.