Sunday, 15 March 2015
Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park — North Island, New Zealand
The most popular activity at Tongariro National Park is a “difficult” tramp known as the Tongariro Crossing. That’s not what we did today, and the reasons why we didn’t will be in the story of our day … whenever I get around to writing it.
This was a day of waterfalls for us. In the morning, we did the hike to Taranaki Falls — 1.5 to 2 hours, but us slow-pokes did the track in 3 hours. Hey, what’s the hurry? Once back at the hotel, we took a break for tea, and then did a short walk to Tawhai Falls, followed by the Mounds Walk. The wrap up for our day was a glorious sunset.
Not far into the Taranaki Falls trail, we are rewarded with a glimpse of Mt Ruapehu,
one of the three active volcanoes within the boundaries of the park.
Taranaki Falls … the person at the top of the cliff provides perspective
for the height from which the waterfall tumbles.
Tawhai Falls … a rock scramble is required for the best views of the falls.
Yes … this is a mock postcard … but worth it to show you all this glorious color.
Such reds and oranges and golds are appropriate for a park that is home to volcanoes.
