New Year in Tongariro National Park

Arriving in Tongariro National Park in the pouring rain, our early night on NYE sadly wasn’t rewarded with a hike along the Tongariro Crossing. Despite sunshine the next morning, 80mph winds recorded at the top by the Dept of Conservation meant it was sadly cancelled.

Obviously disappointing, but we were determined to still enjoy the park. We were told a lower 18k walk around the Tama Lakes would still offer amazing views of waterfalls and volcanic craters dotted between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu (aka Mt Doom). The walk was spectacular and the views were unbelievable. An amazing way to kick off the new year! ILæs mere