Mt Ruapehu.....

Grant and Rae's NZ Trip

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January 11th 2012
Hi,folks. Just a brief one tonight with lots of photos to follow. Did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing today: 19.4 km (12+ miles),up from 1100m to 1900m and down to 700m! Took almost 8 hours. Fabulous weather,fabulous views - Lord of the Rings country. Cream-crackered at the end but worth every minute! Went round with a very knowledgeable (and pretty) Kiwi guide,Catherine and a couple of German ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Whakapapa

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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