Lake Taupo - swans again

The weather becopmes Scottish

---

November 17th 2006
After the idyllic campsite we set of for Tongariro National Park - a mountainous area of recentish volcanic activity. The weather deteriorated gradually and on arrival at Whakapapa village, we were down to 50 yards visibility and steady rain. We decided at least to do a short sheltered walk and donned boots waterproof trousers and jackets and set off. After 20 minutes we gave up, headed back to t ... 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