Tour of the Ring (thats really bad punning)


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Published: January 30th 2008
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We drove into Lake Taupo in much need of some relaxation as well as desperate to do some laundry. We solved both of these mini problems (let’s face it when you are out seeing the world these problems are certainly not major) by checking ourselves into the De Bretts Resort. A very strange lady checked us in (for those of you who went to uni with me think Sarah Chadd with severe sunburn) and kin... Read Full Entry



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Geo-Thermal PipesGeo-Thermal Pipes
Geo-Thermal Pipes

More of the energy producing resources being put to use in the area around Taupo.
Geo-Thermal PipesGeo-Thermal Pipes
Geo-Thermal Pipes

Of course Thom all excited about this combination of nature and man-made exploitation. Taupo.
Huka FallsHuka Falls
Huka Falls

This impressive roaring falls north of Taupo very impressive. Up river there is also a very expensive Hotel, where the likes of Bill Gates have splashed a small fortune on not alot by all accounts.
Everyone Loves a Macro FunctionEveryone Loves a Macro Function
Everyone Loves a Macro Function

I'm dead chuffed with this pic! Huka Falls and of course luscious leaves.
A Desserted BungeeA Desserted Bungee
A Desserted Bungee

We were hoping to sail on by this attraction and catch some funny pics of crazees throwing themselves off. Instead we got there a bit late when it was all shut, so could only get a picture of the platform and the amazing view
Thom Ness MonsterThom Ness Monster
Thom Ness Monster

A very nutty Thom taking a dip in Lake Taupo. It amazed me that this giant lake was actually the crater of a mahoosive caldera volcano (that's when a volcano erupts but the surrounding land gets so hot the volcano collapses in on itslef) spat out 100 cubic km's of ash n lava (Krakatoa only spewed up 25 cubic km's of stuff). It's these kind of facts that leave me with a pondering frown on my face for hours.
Cloud whipping round Mt.NgauruhoeCloud whipping round Mt.Ngauruhoe
Cloud whipping round Mt.Ngauruhoe

With early morning glare. We started at 7.30am.
Get ready.Get ready.
Get ready.

Laura straps herself in before we ascend the Devils Staircase.
The Noble Climber PoseThe Noble Climber Pose
The Noble Climber Pose

Thom's solemn expression relates to his annoyance at bringing way too much stuff with him for this hike - he not only had his camera stuff and tripod, he had a whole spare change of clothes, thermals as well as food! And they say it's girls who can never travel light!
Mt.NgauruhoeMt.Ngauruhoe
Mt.Ngauruhoe

Tongariro National Park.
Capture that viewCapture that view
Capture that view

Half way up the D.staircase we admire the 360 stunning views. No photo can do it justice. (doesn't mean you should stop looking through these though cos We've got some beaut's to show you. Oh yes!)
Mt.NgauruhoeMt.Ngauruhoe
Mt.Ngauruhoe

From the top of the D.staircase.
Rest TimeRest Time
Rest Time

And Laura still manages to have a pen ready for any requirement.
Having a RestHaving a Rest
Having a Rest

Taking a break up at 1500m, having walked for only 2 hours.
Vertical side-trackVertical side-track
Vertical side-track

Here is the sign post indicating the 3hr return side-track to the Mt.Ngauruhoe summit. We didn't get to the fires of Mt.Doom, but Laura is still bearing the ring, and we are still searching for a place to smelt the ring down.
Lycra clad power runnersLycra clad power runners
Lycra clad power runners

Laura being accompanied by one of the many power runners that darted off the drop off bus and headed straight up the terrain and Mt.Ngauruhoe. Relax dudes and take in the stunning scenery. South Crater.



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