A Stroll in the Sunshine makes us Smile.

On the road between the Whakapapa Ski Area and Tongariro Village is the end of the Silica Rapids Walk which can be taken as a circuit or one way. There’s a map and information here and some lovely little bridges across the stream.

The silica is deposited in the stream bed as it drops down the valley. Once your into the forests there’s a wonderful bridge hidden among the beech forest where you must pause awhile…. before continuing on and emerging at Whakapapa Village. Keep a lookout for the little Nature Walk nearby too.

Finally, our patience was rewarded with a great view of Mt Ruapehu from our room at the Chateau. After a brief stop we headed up to the nearby Skotel Resort where we enjoyed a tasty dinner and a magnificent view of Mt Tongariro from the deck before heading back to the chandeliers of Chateau Tongariro and a welcome rest before tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing tomorrow. Yet another day of contrasts?