North Island Part 2...
The following day, we left Mourea for Lake Aniwhenua, stopping through Rotorua. Rotorua is known for its geothermal pools (& sulphuric smell accompanying them). There were several options to bath in mud baths or see the steaming pools but I chose to travel to Hobbiton with a large number of our group to see the Shire movie set from The Lord of the Rings & Hobbit films. Even though it drizzled all day, it was amazing to me how many people turned up for a tour on a rainy Thursday. The place was packed, with tours coming through every few minutes, so we had to rotate through the set on schedule. That being said, the set was incredible to see first-hand, & we had plenty of time for pictures & questions & seeing everything we wanted. The Shire was everything I've ever dreamed, & we enjoyed a drink at the Green Dragon afterward to toast an enchanting day in Middle Earth.
The following day, we left Mourea for Lake Aniwhenua, stopping through Rotorua. Rotorua is known for its geothermal pools (& sulphuric smell accompanying them). There were several options to bath in mud baths or see the steaming pools but I chose to travel to Hobbiton with a large number of our group to see the Shire movie set from The Lord of the Rings & Hobbit films. Even though it drizzled all day, it was amazing to me how many people turned up for a tour on a rainy Thursday. The place was packed, with tours coming through every few minutes, so we had to rotate through the set on schedule. That being said, the set was incredible to see first-hand, & we had plenty of time for pictures & questions & seeing everything we wanted. The Shire was everything I've ever dreamed, & we enjoyed a drink at the Green Dragon afterward to toast an enchanting day in Middle Earth.
After returning to Rotorua for pick-up with Stray, we said goodbye to a fair portion of our group who decided to stay longer in Rotorua. We then continued on to our second cultural night (stopping to see bubbling mud) & another Stray-only stop. This time, we stayed with another Maori tribe, known for their protector: the eel. We met our main host shortly before arriving, & he guided us to view the oldest rock carvings in New Zealand, which were only just returned to his tribe after years of being held by the New Zealand government. We then went to our accommodation for the night on the shores of Lake Aniwhenua. There were options for eeling, weaving, or a cooking lesson but I decided to have a relaxed night & just enjoy the traditional hangi meal. A hangi is a meal cooked in the ground. Raw food in place in racks in the ground over hot stones then covered with tarps & dirt to lock in the heat & steam-cook the food. We enjoyed pork & chicken, smoked eel, salad, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, dressing, & gravy. It was almost a Thanksgiving meal!
The following morning, we headed to Blue Duck Station, stopping through Taupo on the way. We had (anotherrrrrr) rainy day, so Taupo was not in all its glory unfortunately. After a short walk around town, I decided to head to some free hot pools in a nearby river, which was the best decision. A nice long soak hit the spot, & it was so nice to feel naturally hot water beating on my back from the waterfalls between pools. We then headed on to Blue Duck Station, which I'd heard was a highlight of the Stray-only stops. The station was truly in the middle of nowhere. In fact, if you go to the middle of nowhere then turn onto a dirt road & travel 50 km more, that's where Blue Duck actually is. We were instantly enchanted on the drive in, as we passed the dramatic landscape full of cows & sheep. The lodge focuses on conservation of natives species of plants & animals (including the blue duck & kiwi), & our accommodation was a dorm-style lodge with kitchen & toilets attached. It was absolutely beautiful & so peaceful there. Our first night was a giant party, & I appreciated sleeping in the following day.
The following morning, we headed to Blue Duck Station, stopping through Taupo on the way. We had (anotherrrrrr) rainy day, so Taupo was not in all its glory unfortunately. After a short walk around town, I decided to head to some free hot pools in a nearby river, which was the best decision. A nice long soak hit the spot, & it was so nice to feel naturally hot water beating on my back from the waterfalls between pools. We then headed on to Blue Duck Station, which I'd heard was a highlight of the Stray-only stops. The station was truly in the middle of nowhere. In fact, if you go to the middle of nowhere then turn onto a dirt road & travel 50 km more, that's where Blue Duck actually is. We were instantly enchanted on the drive in, as we passed the dramatic landscape full of cows & sheep. The lodge focuses on conservation of natives species of plants & animals (including the blue duck & kiwi), & our accommodation was a dorm-style lodge with kitchen & toilets attached. It was absolutely beautiful & so peaceful there. Our first night was a giant party, & I appreciated sleeping in the following day.
Because our next day was a no-travel day, we had options such as hunting (killing animals considered pests in New Zealand such as wild boars, goats, & deer with the benefit of keeping the meat of anything you kill), horseback trekking, clay pigeon shooting, 4WD tours, & more. I had gone back & forth on whether I wanted to ride horses, due to the cost, but when we were lucky enough to have a stunner of a sunny day, I decided to use the opportunity to sleep in & join the afternoon horse trek. I definitely don't regret my decision! For the ride, I was atop a lovely gelding named Courageous, who loved to pass other horses & kick any horse who cramped his space to the rear. We spent four hours in the afternoon trekking to the highest point at Blue Duck, with lovely views of Mount Doom (from LotR) & the station. Riding was so refreshing, too, since it's been so long since I've had the opportunity. We returned to see the end of the clay pigeon shooting, try the goats that the hunters had killed in the morning (delicious!!!), & get the good news that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was on for the next day. Tongariro Crossing often is hit-or-miss since the crossing is closed in high wind or extreme weather conditions.
On 12 April, I woke up at 5:20 a.m. to clean & pack & be on the bus to Tongariro National Park at 6 a.m. We arrived at a cafe for breakfast burgers (to take for lunch on the 7-hour hike) & snacks then got the devastating news that the crossing was off after all. The winds had reached 90 kph, & it would be impossible to complete the crossing that day. A little depressed, we ordered breakfast burgers & coffees all the same then were given our new options for the day: high tea at a nearby hotel, relaxing at our lodge accommodation for the evening (complete with jacuzzis & fires), exploring the Volcanic Centre, a short waterfall hike, or a 6-hour hike to the waterfall & further to Tama Lakes. About half of us decided to do the longest hike & after quick stops to see Mordor terrain & Gollum's Pool, we headed to the start of the trail. It was a cold, rainy, windy hike but I enjoyed the chance to get outside & exercise, & the terrain was so different from home. I am told it is similar to the Scottish Highlands.
On the way back, I was at the head of the group with Toby, & we jogged most of the trail back, since it was rainy, & jogging was almost easier than trudging along the trail. After a coffee at another cafe, Nat picked all of the hikers up & brought us to the lodge for showers & jacuzzi time. The Tongariro accommodation was particularly cozy. Although we were in dorm rooms, each room had a toilet & shower, & the lounge area had several fireplaces, a bar, large TV, restaurant, & hostel kitchen. We spent the evening by the fire, drinking & playing Yahtzee before walking back to the cafe from the morning for a delicious dinner (Adam & I split a burger with sweet potato fries AND nachos with sour cream & sweet chili). In the late evening, we watched Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in the lounge, then I reclined early to read my book (Game of Thrones). It was one of my favorite days, & I hope to get good weather on my return to Auckland so I can complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing then.
Today, we left Tongariro National Park & came back to the coast to the bottom of the North Island & national capital of Wellington. Because I am anxious to spend time on the South Island, I will take a ferry south early tomorrow. However, spending the afternoon & evening in Wellington has convinced me that I must return; the town has a really fun vibe with lots of cool cafes, restaurants, & museums, all near the water. I love it here! I spent the afternoon shopping & exploring Te Papa national museum with Maja, Maria, & Georgia then met the rest of our bus at Blend Bar for dinner & drinks. I learned to say some of my first phrases in Swedish, Danish, & Swiss German & said goodbye to too many amazing people. Because we have to leave the hostel at 6:40 a.m. for the ferry tomorrow, I came back to the hostel's free WiFi to update my blog before I get too far behind. I am so so excited for everything the South Island will bring (hopefully lots of sunshine & chilly weather) & have had such an amazing time so far!!!
Till next time,
Alli
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