Tongariro Alpine Hike

The weather didn’t cooperate with us, but we decided to give the Tongariro Alpine Crossing a shot.  Got started around 1pm, so that meant it was too late to try the entire thing but we would go as far as possible then turn back around for a roundtrip.  Made it about 6.5km up the mountain to a place called south crater before turning back.

Rain gear ready for our hike up to see Mt Doom

Arrived at the South Crater with mountain peak in the background

Snacks!!

Finished up the hike and drove further south to a ski town named Ohakune.  Planned on staying at a campground to hook up to power, shower, etc.  Had read that this place is a ghost town after the ski season ends and we found that to be the case.  Along our way exploring the town we stopped into a few motels to check prices.  The van can get a bit small after a week, plus the weather being chilly kinda restricts our ability to spread out with table and chairs.  Found a quaint little place called the Hobbit and the kind innkeeper hooked us up with a bunk room in the backpackers lodge.  Place was empty so we had it to ourselves!  Had everything we needed for a kitchen, laundry, showers and even a hot tub.  Kinda reminded me of the movie “The Shining” with the place being so empty..

On our way towards Wellington today to catch the Thursday morning ferry over to the south island.