Arrived at our base for the next few days: a motor lodge right on the edge of the Tongariro National Park and just outside of the oddly named village of National Park. Weather was cold and wet so it was lovely to see the cosy lounge area with its log fire burning. A warm welcome from Helen, our host, who showed us to our warm, comfortable rooms. In the evening we drove up the road to the village and found one of Helen's recommended places for eating out: the Station Restaurant & Cafe. As one might have guessed from its name, this place was on the platform of the railway station! Very few passenger trains now stop at this station; the line is mostly used by freight trains that thunder through the station hauling long lines of trucks. The restaurant was a delight. It was warm inside, which was very important to us on this cold day. The decor was warm and tasteful. We received a warm welcome and very amiable service from our young waitress, a much travelled Argentinian who spoke excellent English. Delicious food and great wine amusingly punctuated by minor earthquakes as each freight train went hurtling by.