Tuesday 2 February

After breakfast we took off towards Tongariro. The weather was looking promising, some early cloud was lifting to reveal the three highest mountains in the North Island – Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. All still active volcanoes. We could see steam rising from vents on the slopes of Tongariro.

Mo had given us suggestions of places to visit while in the area. We stopped at the Mahuia Rapids which was worthwhile then took the short walk to visit the Tawhai Falls. After calling in to the visitor centre in Whakapapa Village we took the moderately steep climb up the Ridge Track. Climbing high above the village this track takes you to a viewpoint where you can see the village laid out below as well as all three of the mountains.

The clouds really were clearing away and we had very clear views of all three peaks. Ruapehu is never free of snow, but the cinder coloured rock from recent eruptions is clearly seen on the ridges. The last eruption was in 2007.

Later in the afternoon, we took our towels and costumes and went to visit the thermal pools at Wairakei Terraces, just on the outskirts of town. Mo had suggested we look up a coupon site as they had been offering two for the price of one. So for the princely sum of $NZ12 each we had a wonderful soak in the hot pools - definitely my kind of swimming. No sand and warm water!

Mt Tongariro the smallest of the three volcanoes

Mt Ruapehu

Mahuia Rapids

Tawhai Falls

Tongariro Chateau

Looking back down the hill towards the village

Ian decided to see what it was like right at the top of the ridge. So did some bush bashing

The cloud lifted and Ngauruhoe showed itself

On Mo's recommendation we visited the Schnapps Bar. This giant kiwi was outside and being adorned with knitted pieces. Not sure why its beak would need to be kept warm!