The drive from Taupo to Turangi was a scenic breeze, Highway 1 hugs the eastern boundary of Lake Taupo all the way down. Lake Taupo was actually created by a huge volcanic eruption approx 25,000 years ago, the largest recorded in the last 70,000 years! The lake was formed from the volcano’s caldera – a depression in the ground where the magma chamber collapses. Ash deposits up to 2m deep would have covered a significant part of the north island.
G blocking the view of Lake Taupo
Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park and is famous for the Alpine Crossing hike – a 19.4km route with spicy elevation boasting geothermal vents, beautiful lakes and glacial valleys. Unfortunately, the area is also known for it’s unpredictable weather and although we were really keen to have crack, the Alpine Crossing was closed when we visited. Disappointing but we opted for the next best alternative.
Department of Conservation Route Map
We set off on the 45 minute drive towards Whakapapa and the Taranaki Falls. Just as we arrived I realised I left my rucksack all the way back in Turangi, which added a lovely 90 minute round trip before we could start hiking. Glass half full – G managed to find a nice takeaway coffee en route.
The Taranaki hike was our first proper taste of New Zealand’s volatile weather system (writing this with cloudless skies). Feeling prepared, we stocked the rucksack with cereal bars and waterproofs. However, almost 8km from the truck, the heavens opened, the winds really picked up and the temperature dropped faster than Tesla stock. The irony here is, we were mocking other hikers all afternoon for looking too prepared. “It’s not Everest mate…calm down”. Pride swallowed, we’ll be gearing up next time.
(1) Soaked to the bone (2) All Trails providing the goods (3) Spot the Zone 4 descent
We ended up running back down to stay warm, and hosted an al fresco banquet for two as soon as we reached the truck, complete with oat milk hot choc.
Welsh Rare-bits 
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