Aug 3, 2007 - Only 6 weeks since the last one!

So time to apologise (again).So time to apologise (again)....

Apr 18, 2007 - Lake Taupo

After leaving Waitomo on the afternoon of the 17th we made our way to Taupo.45pm so the walk took me 6 and a half hours overall! I'm quite glad the options for climbing both Mount Doom and Mount Tongariro weren't available in hindsight, although the views from the peaks of them must be amazing. ... Some people off my Kiwi bus were doing sky diving after this walk! Crazy people.After leaving Waitomo on the afternoon of the 17th we made our way to Taupo.45pm so the walk took me 6 and a half hours overall! I'm quite glad the options for climbing both Mount Doom and Mount Tongariro weren't available in hindsight, although the views from the peaks of them must be amazing. ... Some people off my Kiwi bus were doing sky diving after this walk! Crazy people....

Mar 10, 2007 - The Tongariro Crossing

Today we decided to tackle our first real hike. For one thing, it took us to the summit (this was not in the plan) of Mount Tongariro at a staggering, heart-breaking 6,600 feet. ... It was pure hell.Today we decided to tackle our first real hike. For one thing, it took us to the summit (this was not in the plan) of Mount Tongariro at a staggering, heart-breaking 6,600 feet. ... It was pure hell....

Feb 22, 2007 - New Zealand - Tongariro Crossing

We had heard about a walk that is apparently one of the most impressive in New Zealand called the Tongariro Crossing, a day walk of between 6-8 hours which traverses spectacular volcanic geography from an active crater to steaming vents with landscapes from alpine scrubs to bare rock to the lush forest at the end.We had heard about a walk that is apparently one of the most impressive in New Zealand called the Tongariro Crossing, a day walk of between 6-8 hours which traverses spectacular volcanic geography from an active crater to steaming vents with landscapes from alpine scrubs to bare rock to the lush forest at the end....

Feb 17, 2007 - Whakapapa, NZ

WHAKAPAPA (TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK) - Thursday 8th February to Friday 9th (Days 104 & 105) Travelling via Lake Taupo we made our way from Napier into the heart of the magnificent Tongariro National Park, staying in a tiny village, Whakapapa.WHAKAPAPA (TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK) - Thursday 8th February to Friday 9th (Days 104 & 105) Travelling via Lake Taupo we made our way from Napier into the heart of the magnificent Tongariro National Park, staying in a tiny village, Whakapapa....

Feb 6, 2007 - Tongario National Park - Tanz auf dem Vulkan

Ein weiterer Hoehepunkt unserer Reise - das Tongario Crossing! Um 5:30 klingelt der Wecker in unserer Huette auf 1200m Hoehe.Ein weiterer Hoehepunkt unserer Reise - das Tongario Crossing! Um 5:30 klingelt der Wecker in unserer Huette auf 1200m Hoehe....

Dec 30, 2006 - Mount Tongariro, Ngauiuhoe and Ruapehu.

We drove to Mount Tongariro National with the intention of walking the Tongariro Cross. ... A trail that goes part way around the mountain.We drove to Mount Tongariro National with the intention of walking the Tongariro Cross. ... A trail that goes part way around the mountain....

Dec 27, 2006 - Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand

NZ is known as a good 'tramping' (English translation; 'trekking') ground, but up until this point we had not really done any serious tramping.NZ is known as a good 'tramping' (English translation; 'trekking') ground, but up until this point we had not really done any serious tramping....

Dec 26, 2006 - Christmas tourists

I had a pretty good night sleep but Mum had troubles as usual.I had a pretty good night sleep but Mum had troubles as usual....

Dec 16, 2006 - North Island: Tongariro and Waitomo

Hey everyone, Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Yule-licious Yule! I know it's early for most of these seasons greetings, but Laura and I leave for the islands of Fiji, and presumably no internet access, tomorrow, and we probably won't have a chance to post again until after Christmas.Hey everyone, Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Yule-licious Yule! I know it's early for most of these seasons greetings, but Laura and I leave for the islands of Fiji, and presumably no internet access, tomorrow, and we probably won't have a chance to post again until after Christmas....

Nov 17, 2006 - Taupo

Woke up so excited as I knew I'd be doing my skydive today when we reach Taupo - which I've been looking forward to for ages! Not nervous at this stage at all (unlike my bungee) but with this I don't have to make the decision to jump or worry about doing it right, I just let my tandem expert do all the work! So, you can imagine my disappointment when our driver informs us that the weather is going to take a turn for the worse and the skydive company have already said there's no chance of doing it today or tomorrow :-( Also warned that again due to the wretched weather our Tongariro crossing (17km walk over snow capped mountain) the following day is likely to be cancelled too! Grrrrrr.Woke up so excited as I knew I'd be doing my skydive today when we reach Taupo - which I've been looking forward to for ages! Not nervous at this stage at all (unlike my bungee) but with this I don't have to make the decision to jump or worry about doing it right, I just let my tandem expert do all the work! So, you can imagine my disappointment when our driver informs us that the weather is going to take a turn for the worse and the skydive company have already said there's no chance of doing it today or tomorrow :-( Also warned that again due to the wretched weather our Tongariro crossing (17km walk over snow capped mountain) the following day is likely to be cancelled too! Grrrrrr....

Nov 16, 2006 - volcanic wonderland

In taupo region been to an amazing bubbling mud pools a geyser which shot water 15ft in the air and sulphur filled lakes which were bright orange and turquiose streams.In taupo region been to an amazing bubbling mud pools a geyser which shot water 15ft in the air and sulphur filled lakes which were bright orange and turquiose streams....