Waitonga Falls & Army Museum

Today was meant to be the day of our first major hike but unfortunately they closed the track due to weather warnings for the day. We are hoping to get the chance to attempt the great Tongariro Crossing tomorrow, but the weather isn't looking too good either unfortunately.

Despite the windy and partly rainy weather we still wanted to get out and about and found a nice gentle hike to a nearby waterfall (Waitonga Falls). Spoilt by previous experiences, we wouldn't say this hike offers the most spectacular scenery but it's still well worth it. Before heading back we briefly checked out Tawhai Falls (Gollum's Pool) that was featured in Lord of the Rings.

In the afternoon we drove to the National Army Museum that Will really wanted to check out, mainly to see the medals of Charles Upham. He also took the opportunity to ask the local research centre about his late great grandfather who died in New Zealand in 1931, and was pleased to see they had his records of service for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during WW1.

Thinking that our big hike would take place as planned, we spent the very rainy evening preparing for the following day. Unfortunately, after having spread the best part of a jar of peanut butter on several sandwiches, we received the updated news that the track will be closed again tomorrow due to weather. This great hike will have to wait until our next trip to New Zealand.Read more