We left Taupo around 10.30 and drove to the Tongariro National Park.� We had a brief stop in Turangi then continued onto the park.� The Tongariro crossing was closed due to bad weather so there were one or two disappointed people on our bus.� We visited the visitors centre to learn a bit about our surroundings then went to look at a waterfall which featured in one of the LOTR films.� Then is was off to our hostel.� The Parks is one of the best nicest hostels I have ever stayed in.� The beds are big and comfy and the hostel has big log fires to sit beside.� It was Patrick's birthday so we had a birthday BBQ and drinks around the fire before it was time to head to bed.