In a historic first, 14 members of the Hindu Women Forum (and their family members) successfully completed the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, an event aimed at empowering women through physical challenge and spiritual connection. Known for its breathtaking scenery and cultural significance, the 19.4-kilometer trek in Tongariro National Park is one of New Zealand’s most renowned hikes, offering participants an unforgettable journey through rugged volcanic landscapes.
The event organised and managed by the Hindu Women Forum—a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand—brought together women and their families from Auckland, Rotorua, and Wellington. While the event was designed as a women’s empowerment initiative, family members joined to provide moral and physical support, transforming it into a memorable community experience.
The November hike was the first of two planned events, with another scheduled for February 2025. Despite initial weather warnings that caused a few last-minute cancellations, the group experienced near-perfect conditions on the day. Beginning with a misty morning, the weather cleared as they ascended, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere for the journey.
Empowerment Through Challenge
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is more than just a hike—it’s a journey of self-discovery. For the women of the Hindu Women Forum, it symbolised overcoming challenges, building resilience, and achieving personal growth. The trek also offered an opportunity to learn about the area’s cultural and spiritual significance, deepening participants’ appreciation for New Zealand’s indigenous heritage.
Although the group couldn’t practice yoga or meditation at the summit as initially planned, they began and ended their trek with Hindu prayers, finding moments of spiritual connection amidst the awe-inspiring natural environment.
Reflections from the Participants
Komal Sahani from Rotorua, one of the event organisers, highlighted the success of the initiative:
“Following this event’s overwhelming success, we plan to make it an annual programme. It’s a fantastic way to bring women together, foster new friendships, and support one another in a collective journey of empowerment.”
Personal experiences from selected participants:
- Sunita Patel (Auckland):
“I’ve always wanted to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and this event gave me the perfect opportunity. The day felt magical—a blessing from nature. It reminded me of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together and support one another.”
- Namitha Raj (Wellington):
“The Crossing has been on my bucket list for years. Joining this group helped me push my limits and experience the sheer beauty of the Emerald Lake, Blue Lake, and the Red Crater. It’s an unforgettable trek that words can hardly capture.” - Shaveta Gupta (Rotorua):
“This was an empowering experience. Completing such a challenging trek with the support of other women was amazing. It reinforced my belief that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself.”
Join Us in February 2025
The Hindu Women Forum invites women of all ages and fitness levels to join the next empowering Tongariro Alpine Crossing event, scheduled for Saturday, 22 February 2025, with an alternate date on 1 March 2025. Registrations are now open, but spaces are limited—don’t miss this opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with nature, and build lasting bonds.
For more information and to register, please contact hindu.nz@gmail.com
About Hindu Women Forum:
The Hindu Women Forum, a division of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, is dedicated to promoting the well-being and empowerment of women through various initiatives and events. The forum aims to foster a supportive community where women can grow, learn, and thrive.
