The Emerald Lakes and Shale Slopes

Tongariro Crossing

---

January 13th 2008
No, I didnt know what it was until a few days ago. The Tongariro Crossing is a one day trek across 'steep volcanic terrain'. It took us 9 hours to complete and hats off the the kids (especially Fabulous) who seemed to take the whole thing in their stride!! More than I can say for the Family 5 adults - we are still suffering from sore muscles a couple of days later! The start of the crossing is at ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Tongariro National Park

---

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