Looking down at one of the turquoise green colours of the Emerald Lakes from the Red Crater at the peak of the Tongariro Alpine crossing

check out the tourists in the shot, they give great perspective of how large things are

Trail of unknown tourists in a line crossing the Tongariro crossing on the volcanic landscape

Trail of unknown tourists in a line crossing the Tongariro crossing on the volcanic landscape

Looking North

never ending windy path, poor knees

Venting steam

Lake Taupo in the distance

The descent

The long way down the other side of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with views of Lake Rotoaira in thre middle ground and views of Lake Taupo in the distance

Big Volcano, small people

Trail of "ants" leaving the Red Crater

Looking back after passing the red crater then the steep ascent and subsequent descent to the Emerald lakes (hidden to my left).Mt Ruapehu in the distance. Amazing colours in the ground/rocks.

Lake reflections

Blue Lake Panorama

On the banks of the Blue Lake

Emerald green

Descent to Emerald Lakes

Rush hour

Perfect isolation

Admiring the view

Amazing colours

Shades of blue and green

Emerald Lakes growing on the surface

On the edge of one of the 3 Emerald Lakes near the summit of the Tongariro Alpine crossing. The Emerald Lakes’ brilliant colour is caused by minerals leaching from the adjoining thermal area. You can see thermal steaming around the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes. These vents are also responsible for the sulphurous smell. The Maori name for the lakes is Ngarotopounamu meaning greenstone-hued lakes. The water is cold and acidic and is not suitable for swimming or drinking. The lake freezes in winter.

Emerald Lakes Tourists everywhere