Category Archives: North Island

Mt Tongariro, N.Z. The Joys of Rocks, Rubble & the Rest *****5 stars

And All the Way Down Again Our brain is a curious thing. We think of all sorts of things as we walk along and even break into song at times but on the return journey our perspective is always completely … Continue reading

Posted in Bushwalk, National Parks, Tongariro National Park, Tour, Volcano | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mt Tongariro, N.Z. Rising to the Challenge *****5 stars.

The Only Way is Up. As always, an early start is best for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on New Zealand’s North Island. Here’s a website with info and a Map. Signposts indicate distances and times and help to track your progress. Are … Continue reading

Posted in Bushwalk, Maps, National Parks, New Zealand, North Island, Tongariro National Park, Tour, Volcano | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mt Tongariro, N.Z. Sharing Life’s Joys and Challenges****5 stars

Anything’s Possible. Never climbed an active volcano before. It’s a good idea to take a friend just in case it erupts. Walking with a local guide is also an excellent idea. Even though, the weather is glorious and picture perfect … Continue reading

Posted in Bushwalk, Maps, National Parks, New Zealand, North Island, Places, Tongariro National Park, Volcano | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Mt Ruapehu, N.Z. Enjoying the Silica Rapids Walk****4 stars

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 … Continue reading

Posted in Bushwalk, National Parks, New Zealand, Tongariro National Park, Tour | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mt Ruapehu, N.Z. Patience Duly Rewarded ****4stars.

Waiting Amidst the Clouds & Mist until the Sunshines! Still Waiting Amidst the Clouds & Mist It wasn’t a dark and stormy night but the road to the Mt Ruapehu base area was covered in mist and and not at … Continue reading

Posted in Attractions, Bushwalk, National Parks, North Island, Scones, Tongariro National Park, Tour, Volcano | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu, N.Z. Patience Rewarded****4 stars

* * * * Waiting Amid the Clouds & Mist * * * *   Wonderfully clear day yesterday for our train journey on the Northern Explorer to Mt Tongariro in New Zealand’s North Island. Looking out the window at Chateau … Continue reading

Posted in Attractions, Bushwalk, National Parks, New Zealand, North Island, Scones, Tongariro National Park, Tour, Volcano, Waterfalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Auckland-National Park, NZ. Train Spirals on Kiwi Rail’s Northern Explorer ****4stars

Why would you drive 350 kms?      Finally on New Zealand’s North Island and heading down from Auckland to National Park to stay at Chateau Tongariro and walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mt Ruapehu. Mt Tongariro volcano has erupted … Continue reading

Posted in National Parks, New Zealand, North Island, Scones, Tour, Train Trips | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

North Island, New Zealand. Assorted Scone Adventures 2013.

GREETINGS  FROM NEW ZEALAND (AGAIN)! Just returned from the North Island of New Zealand and an assortment of scone adventures.  Flew into Auckland and travelled on the new Northern Explorer Train to Tongariro National Park, then returned on the train back … Continue reading

Posted in Food, New Zealand, North Island, Scones, Tour, Train Trips | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Abel Tasman Track, New Zealand. Unashamedly Moving Mountains*****5stars

New Horizons    Why not walk all day and have a water taxi take your bags and drop them off at your overnight stop for you? The Abel Tasman Track is an ideal alternative to lugging your stuff for miles … Continue reading

Posted in Bushwalk, Canoe/kayaking, New Zealand, North Island, Scones, South Island, Tour | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment