No, this post isn't about The Hobbit, although we did travel down to New Plymouth from Struan Farm in Piopio over the holidays to see the movie, in 3D, fast frame. It was fantastic, and I can't wait for the next installment, but that's another story.
Heidi, Carrick, Norma and I decided to venture up to Tongariro National Park World Heritage Area one day during the holidays. I sometimes forget how close it is, but it's only two hours from Struan Farm, so an easy day trip.
Driving out we were afraid that clouds would obscure the three volcanic mountain peaks, Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe, but we managed to see all three (Ngauruhoe just briefly, thanks to wind). I learned that geologists consider Ngauruhoe to be part of Tongariro, but they look like three distinct peaks to the average person. Recently Tongariro has been active but nothing was happening this day.
It's a high alpine, volcanic landscape. We bundled up and took the chair lift up Mt. Ruapehu to walk around, see the views and have lunch at the highest cafe in New Zealand at 2020 metres, went down and visited the interesting information centre to read about the geology and flora/fauna, and then stopped into the Chateau for a quick peak.
Here are some photographs from the day:
And yes, if one is to believe the road signs, there are even real kiwis running around up here!
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