Tongariro and Whakapapa - 13.02.10

Well we awoke to yet more rain and mist so heavy that we couldn’t see the road at the end of the drive. The mist gradually lifted and we decided to make our way to Whakapapa to see what the DOC (Dept of Conservation) recommended. This area is not only known as the heart of volcano country (there are 3 volcanoes here) but also the Toringariro Alpine Crossing which takes about 7 hours to walk. Peter and I had decided against this as we weren’t sure if we were up to it. Just as well because all hikes on this track were banned today due to the wind and rain. On enquiring we were recommended a shorter walk to the Taranaki Falls although we would probably get wet. She wasn’t kidding the first part of the walk included walking through trees so was relatively sheltered! The terrain on the return journey reminded us of Dartmoor, heather, gorse bushes and very open and boy did it rain. We were soaked by the time we got back so it was into the only hotel in the village for a curry, it was so welcome.