Turangi + Tongariro Alpine Crossing

2.9.17

We checked out of Huka Lodge and made our way to a different part of Lake Taupo, Turangi, to stay at Creel Lodge. We were pretty exhausted from fishing the day before, so we got supplies at the store, walked to the Tongariro River and spotted huge 30”+ trout, then had carry out Indian food and went to bed. Pretty uneventful day.

Special thanks to: Jessica, Mike, Tiffany and Matt for our stay at Creel Lodge!

2.10.17

The next morning we woke up bright and early for the pickup shuttle to hike the 12 mile Tongariro Alpine Crossing - rated as one of the top ten day hikes in the world and a set for the Lord of the Rings movies. It did not disappoint. Monica unfortunately forgot to put any insoles in her hiking boots and didn’t realize it until the start of the trail. A major disappointing moment…but she was able to finish despite the discomfort. How far her body has come in the past 12 months!

We encountered dense mist and fog that threatened to hinder our views of the landscape, but they eventually burned off as we proceeded. The views were spectacular! Check out some photos below.

Special thanks to: Max, Nick and Karissa for the shuttle to the hike!

When we arrived back in town, we ate dinner at a local watering hole then laid in bed and watched the first LOTR movie. Monica had not seen it since it debuted in 2001. She was sweating from it’s intensity, but was instantly hooked and can’t wait to watch the rest of them.

Today we are off to the capital city of Wellington. More on that later!