So we based are selves in Taupo for a few days hoping the weather would clear up to do the Tongonariro Alpine Crossing and Summit of MT DOOM from Lord of the Rings. We got up at 5am one morning to head up for the 20km hike but 110km winds stopped us from going up onto the ridge and all shuttle companies cancelled trips. We have a few friends that all say the crossing is well worth is in good clear sky, overwise not so much…. we will have to take their word on it as we didn’t finish it.
Taupo is a cool town to relax in, Huka Falls pictures above is a very powerful waterfall, Jet Boats do trips up on the river, loads of view spots to water to. If you head up the river towards Thermal Park you will find a FREE thermal river that meets the main river, very nice 🙂
Campsites, there are the obvious holiday parks. If your in a self contained I-site will tell you where to park, if not Reid’s Farm (ask a local/i-site) is a Free campsite that is basic but its free and you can stay up to 7 nights. Right next to the river, very nice.
We met some other Piwiwiwi(ers) at the campsite, Pictured below is us with Ocean Full of Fins, Grant, Devon and Sean. A Band touring from Canada and using the van as a tour bus. Google them!!!!
