Feb 8-9

From Rotorua we headed to lake Taupo - the largest lake in NZ and also sitting in the middle of an ancient volcanoe. After a night here of "Urban Camping" -our new favorite thing we took the bus to Tongariro National Park.

This Amazing park is home to three of New Zealand's largest active volcanoes, including one - Mount Tongariro - that blew its top a la Mt. St Helens just 9 years ago! It is also home to the "Tangariro Crossing" one of NZ's much publicized 8 great walks (they call hikes walks here).

The trail took us about 6 hours to complete (which is average) but it spans a lifetime of terrain. We started on the dry grassy plains at the foot of the first two volcanoes and then climbed quickly up the side of Mt. Ngauruhoe (known to all of us as Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings) and into a giant crater. Then up again and over the side, descending into a green valley filled with emerald mineral lakes of vibrant colors.

Soonthe trail opens up even more to provide fantastic views for miles and miles of forest and lakes and mountains. Slowly we descended more until we were in amongst some of NZ's native rainforest. When we got back on the bus we were breathless, but I'm not sure it was because of the strenuous hike.

Feb 10-13

We finished our time on the North Island with a few days in NZ's capital city, Wellington. We did some more urban camping (I guess I should explain - a lot of hostels in NZ will let you pitch a tent in their backyard or courtyard, lot's of fun) and paid a visit to NZ's National Museum. This place is new (opened 1998) and huge - it would probably take a week to see all the exhibits. The best part was it was free - and that's my price!

Tongariro Crossing