Tongariro Crossing

Sky Diving!

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October 23rd 2005
I have spent the last few days in Taupo, a small town that sits on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, itself contained in a large volcanic crater. This crater is all that remains of a massive eruption which is basically responsible for the whole of the north island of New Zealand. It is a beautiful place, wide open and serene, with the Tongariro mountain range sitting quietly in the bac ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Taupo

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The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year... ... read more