On Monday the 16th of sept we went to Taupo (pronounced toe paw). This is the largest lake in New Zealand and was formed due to volcanic eruptions in the area. On the way we stopped at a placed called Te Puia where we had eggs boiled in a geyser and saw 2 kiwi birds! Once we checked in we went to some natural hot pools for a relax!
On the 17th we did the Tongariro Crossing! It was a 0500 start and we were kitted out with crampons, wooly trousers and gloves as well as my own wooly hat and bright green jacket! The area we walked in was where they filmed Mordor in Lord of the Rings! We were walking next to Mount Doom! :) incredible!! The walk itself was pretty tough! Our first task was the 'devils staircase'... LEG BURNER!!! The whole area was highly volcanic and there was one volcano that only erupted last August and another that was overdue an eruption by 15years! Pretty scary stuff if you think about it too much!
The views from the top were awesome.. It was so so windy that we almost didn't make the crossing! At one point we sat down surrounded by snow but the ground was 60 degrees C hot!!! Crazy! The walk is rated in the top ten walks in the world and we definitely realised why! It was an awesome day!
Tonight we had a kiwi family meal again! Chilli and pancakes for after! We have a solid group of 12 chipping in which is so much cheaper than individually cooking :)
So so tired so it's bed time now! Leave for River Valley in the morning! Hope everyone back home is okay! Thinking of you all! Xxx