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Published: April 10th 2011
The Tongariro Crossing we finally attempted just outside of Taupo. We departed at 5:30am from the hostel and heading to the volcano trek. Didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into I don’t believe. It was super windy and I was glad I had mittens. This was definitely one of the hardest hikes I have ever been on. It was a 19 km trek across craters, these beautiful emerald lakes and then finally through a tropical forest. Jon and I split up on the trek so that he could climb Mount Doom (Devil’s staircase took me out and so I decided not to do the bonus 3 hour side trek with Jon) On the day Jon climbed the volcano, famous from LOTR, there was a guy who broke his leg from a boulder sliding down the hill and hitting him and was airlifted off the hill…. Not the safest hike in NZ lets just say. The Crossing was one of the hardest but best things I have done in NZ.
We headed west about a week ago towards Ragaln, NZ’s best surfing town. It has been some unpredictable weather here, rain one second and the next beautiful sunshine.
A little windy to go surfing for the first few days so we took the bikes for a spin down to the beach and were chased back by the rain. Finally some great weather came and we were able to take the surfboards out. There was a mini lesson in the parking lot and then we were sent to the beach. It has been tons of fun being thrown around by the giant waves. Jon is looking like a semi-professional out there. I look like a drowning fish but it’s a toss up who is having more fun. The Hostel we are staying at is great, lots of friendly people, a hot tub and great courtyard filled with flowers. Going to be here catching waves for a few more days.
Miss everyone! Col
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Babs 'n Lou
non-member comment
Taupo and Raglan
Hey there Colleen! Lovin' the blog - crikey dick! surprised you didn't get a dose of the colly wobbles while at the surf beach! Weather finally starting to warm up here, time to pack away the jumpers. You'll be home and hosed before you know it, so keep liivin the dream girlie! Love ya! Babs 'n Lou