Tongariro National Park - North Island

During our stay in this part of New Zealand, the Tongariro National Park, we had planned to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Unfortunately, the weather conditions were not kind: strong winds, rain, freezing temperatures at the summit and no improvement for several days. In fact, the trail was closed altogether.

Moreover, the conditions for getting there have recently become very difficult: advance registration on the Internet (free), compulsory shuttle bus (paying NZ$60 per person) as the hike is one-way. We drop off our car at the trailhead and a shuttle bus takes us to the start of the hike. It's no longer possible to park at the start, hike to the Emerald Lakes and back again, as parking is limited to 4 hours. 

So we shortened our stay here, after having completed two hikes.

Not far away, Lake Taupo hides the caldera of a supervolcano beneath its waters. With a surface area of 193 km² and a depth of 186 m, this is New Zealand's largest lake. A variety of activities are available on and around the lake. As far as we were concerned, we just stopped for a picnic.