Exceptional day today! After a 10-hour sleeping performance - I am back in the game. (I made it through most of yesterday in a semi-conscious state -- sleep deprived from the past few days.)
We started the day in Rotorua. We took a gondola ride up to the peak of the town and hit a luge track to get our adrenaline pumping. This was not the Olynpic version - more like a go-cart version of the luge. It was pretty awesome. We had 3 runs at 2 separate courses. Scenic and aggressive at the same time. Very nice.
We next headed south for about 1 hour to Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park. The goal today was to hit the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - considered by most as the best 1-day tramp in the entire country. It's an 11 mile hike in 1 direction, traversing over stunning volcanic landscape. We decided to do 5-6 miles of the trek -- as we did not quite have the proper gear or time for the full 22 miles. This place was spectacular. Wow. Wow. It started out a little rainy -- but the clouds gave way to blue skies.
I can't get over just how perfect the landscape and overall feel this country has. On our hike today, the trail was flawless - often times with 200+ meter sections with built-up bridges to walk over small streams and uneven ground. The signage was the best I've seen on any trail I've encountered in my travels.
After returning from our hike, we headed back north and drove around Lake Taupo. This is a 20 mile by 25 mile lake - the biggest in the country. It's known as the rainbow trout capital of the world., with the average fish size of 4 pounds - and 10 pounders barely causing a stir among locals. Tomorrow -- we may try our luck with one of the local outfitters.
After a scenic drive, we found a place in the town of Taupo - walking distance from some nice restaruants. Some pizza and a couple beers later -- I find myself just about getting caught up here on night #4.
So far, things have been great. New Zealand has even outweighed my expectations a bit. The roads, the people, the scenery on the north island (not expected to compare with the south) -- it's all good. Let's keep it going!!
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Picture from the lava fields
Greg & I -- Mile #3
Rain turned to blue skies
Great trail conditions
Lake Taupo
Overlooking the southern portion of Lake Taupo
Taupe! Home of Ironman NZ! If it weren't in March, I'd have done it already. How clear is the lake?
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