Drove around the edges of the Tongariro National Park getting an almost 360 degrees view of the mountain that was used as Mount Doom in the Lord Of The Rings films. Disappointingly, it was still shrouded in cloud so we were not able to see its peak. On the way to our next base, at Waiotapu, we drove through another location used in the films: the Rangipop Desert, which featured in some of the battle scenes. Then alongside the vast and beautiful Lake Taupo. Nothing as large as this in the UK. Listened to Taupo's local radio station. So easy listening, with its non-stop selection of songs from the 40's and 50's, it was almost comatose. Taupo must be one big retirement home! Stopped for coffee in Taupo. Very modern and with lots of shops and cafes. Touristy. We did not linger.