Waikite hotsprings

Excellent to start off the morning with a hot soothing bath. We try all the pools again… still very nice… Warmed up we drive south to Tongariro national park. On the way we are passing beautiful Lake Taupo, enjoying the scenery and to stock up supplies.

Lake Taupo

In Tongariro is the mountain Nungaruru, also famous as Mount Doom from LOTR movie. It’s a very impressive mountain and I understand why they picked it for the movie. 

Mount Doom

Nature changes into more mountain terrain and feels a bit like home and we miss the skis at home. 

Short stop on the way to Tongariro

Tongariro is a very small village with one big hotel, some small houses and a campground. We quickly find a spot for our camper and gear up for tramping. Its very hot and sunny so sunscreen is a must. Here the sun is so much stronger than Thailand or the Philippines so you need to protect yourself. Heading in to the park the first people we meet they are…Swedish!!! Of course, swedes are everywhere! Good mood is at its highest and landscape is low growing bushes, like a moor. The track continues in to the forrest and winds along a crystal clear creek. Tjohoo, lets have a drink of NZ natural water, (hm not so good after all…).

DON´T drink the water....

Our path leads us to a nice waterfall and we stop for lunch and enjoy natures pure beauty. A climb up to the top of the waterfall is the start of the way back. This walk goes in a circle so you don’t walk the same way back. 

Now the landscape changes into rocky, overgrown lava stones. 1 ½ hours later we are back to the starting point. Reading the information board we see a warning “Water in creeks are not safe for drinking. Boil at least 3 minutes. Giardia….” Oooops, what does that mean??? Lady at information centre say “ you’ll have to hope for the best. Usually takes 1 -2 weeks if you get the bug. Seek doctor if you get stomachaches…” Oj då, in Sweden you can drink waters from creeks… Röva! A bit low in mood we head back to our camper. Evening is shared with German campers and German bikers…