Tongariro Alpine Crossing + Tongariro summit

Classical route leaving the parking lot of Mantegapopo and arriving at Ketetahi. It is not a circular route, and therefore a transport must be achieved, which is not very difficult because all the hotels and the agencies of the area offer it. On arrival we have also found taxis for the most deprived.
The walk begins smooth for a volcanic terrain with some low vegetation, but less and less abundant as we move forward. We immediately begin to see the Ngauhruoe volcano on the right. He is very photogenic and we will be glad for three quarters of the road. The ascent begins quite sharply and is quite progressive, but it lasts until you reach South Crater. Here we started to see Mordor in its purest state. Cross the crater through a plain with spectacular views of the Ngauhruoe on one side and the Tongariro on the other (less photogenic). We leave the crater up again to a plan where we can decide to ascend to the summit of the Tongariro, to the Ngauhruoe (not recommended because there are detachments and risks of fumaroles and hot stones), or follow the path to the lakes.
We cross to the summit of Tongariro, where the landscape is brutal, with the South Crater down, the Ngauhroe to the left, and the Ruapehu snowed in the background, all surrounded by an impressive volcanic environment.
We return to the intersection point and continue towards the lakes. We leave the Red Crater on the left, as we cite. I would say that it is the "Eye of Mordor." The views are spectacular.
From there, there is a very steep "species of scrub" that is quite difficult, and finally the Emarald Lakes are intense green.
Then the route continues to descend for less and less inhospitable places, making ziga zagues. The Blue Lake is seen from afar, which is much larger than the others, and is inaccessible because it belongs to the Maori local community.
This part of the route is the one that has become weaker. It's beautiful, but more monotonous, and we were already quite tired. The knees stick a little.
We arrive at the Ketetahi parking lot, where there are a bunch of other hikers waiting for their transportation.
I think that if you like hiking and have an acceptable physical condition, and you are on the North Island, you have to make this route yes or no. Although you do not like Tolkien.