Tongariro National Park

Day 190 – National Park, New Zealand

Edit: I updated the article.

Yes, National Park is the name of a village. It’s strange, but at least easy to remember.

I picked up my rental car in Wellington under rain and wind, because hey, why should I be lucky with the weather all the time? But I managed to find my way out of Wellington and on the right road (number 1 highway, that’s easy to remember).

I found my hostel, dropped my stuff, and went back out to have a little walk. I started with a view over Tawhai Falls.

Tawhai Falls

Tawgai Falls was used in the shooting of The Lord of the Rings, apparently Gollum likes to fish there. 

Then I went for the loop around Taranaki Falls, a two-hours walk, and ended up with very nice pictures and a double rainbow. 

Double rainbow

I really enjoyed the walk to and back Taranaki Falls, the upper trail in particular witg all the landscape. Well, the lower trail was mostly in forest, so, little scenery there!

But it was a nice, brisk walk, and I see and feel how I am getting better at hiking. (Still, when you see a couple running up the track, it is strange.)

Back at the hostel, I lasted long enough to eat, shower and treat my pictures, and sleep!