Volcanic Run - 27 December 2007

It is now two days after Christmas and while you at home in the States rushed out for the Day After Christmas Sales on the 26th, Hayley and I have packed up and moved down to Wellington, the southern tip of the North Island.
Our day began with another beautiful breakfast in our room followed up by me posting the previous days’ journal entries. Although we take the time to type these up every day, we do not always have internet access. That is why numerous entries get posted on the same day.
After loading up the car, while leaving the motel, we spotted two teenage boys out in the park flying a kite. There was nothing really special about them. It just struck me that back in the U.S. it is not often you would see two teenage boys out flying a kite. They usually are up to some mischief. Waving goodbye we made our way down the east side to Lake Taupo until we arrived at Turangi where we would refuel the car, and ourselves with a brief snack.
Shortly after hitting the pavement again we made our first of many “five minute photo stops.” The first stop was just after we entered the Tongariro National Park to take photos of Lake Taupo looking north towards Taupo. In attempts to get ahead of the tour bus that was there we scurried back into the car and made our way along the north leg of the Volcanic Loop. With clearer skies today were able to see the peaks of the volcanoes, something we were unable to do the past two days. Now, although we could have made the shorter straight route to Wellington, with the better weather we opted for the more scenic drive. It would prove to be well worth it. We did make one photo stop that lasted longer than the “five minutes.” At this vantage point we were able to get clear shots of all three volcanic peaks, Mt. Tongariro, Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Ruapehu, without any signs of civilization – no roads, cars, power lines, etc. I shot video of the peaks while Hayley took numerous photos. I took some photos, including some self portraits of me and the volcanoes. Two items of interest are Mt. Ngauruhoe portrayed Mt. Doom in Lord of the Rings, while the views from Mt. Tongariro portray Mordor in the Lord of the Rings. When the tour bus arrived at this location we decided it was time to move along. A few short minutes later, as I was driving, I looked down in my side view mirror and was just blown away with the beauty of Mt. Doom, err…I mean Mt. Ngauruhoe. After a few more photo stops, as we made our way down the west side of the National Park, we attempted to get a scenic flight from an operator along the roadway. However, the earliest he would be able to take us was three hours away and we just did not have that much excess time. Therefore we said cheers and continued along our way. With a turn toward the east, as we made our way along the south side, we were greeted with a sign I passed and just had to make a u-turn back so we could get a picture. It made me chuckle because the speed limit signs here are circular in nature and have a “target-like” appearance. This particular sign showed a sample sign and read “It’s not a target.” I was simply amused. With more wonderful photo opportunities of Mt. Ruapehu and some glorious farmland in the foreground we had to make a few more stops.
Along about 130pm we began to make our way south and saw the last of the volcanoes in the rear view mirror. Getting hungry we made a stop at the Flat Hills Café. This was a blessing considering Hayley had just found our location on the map and discovered we left the last big blip on the map for about an hour only moments ago. Here we had a delectably delightful lunch. I enjoyed a helping of shepherds’ pie while Hayley found heaven in a simple ham, cheese, tomato and mushroom sandwich. Afterward we made our way over to the gift shop and found a few small gifts to bring home. One prize find was a small plastic personalized license plate. The specialty of this plate is that it had Hayley’s name spelt correctly. We mentioned this to the cashier and came to know that that is how it is spelt here in New Zealand. Trying to find anything with this spelling in the States is very difficult.
With the day moving along, we felt so should we. Within about twenty minutes Hayley fell asleep and would proceed to sleep for about an hour and a half, missing out on lots of flat land. While she was sleeping I kept myself entertained driving by staying with a silver Toyota pick-up that was transporting a motorbike in the flat bed. I managed to keep with the Toyota throughout numerous passing zones, big rigs, and traffic lights for the whole time Hayley was asleep. I finally let the pick-up go when I woke Hayley just as the Tasman Sea came into site. Before she went to sleep she did tell me to wake her if there was anything worth photographing. The view of the Tasman was brief before we made our way back inland a bit and down into Wellington.
After passing our Bed and Breakfast accidentally, we turned around and arrived at our home for the next two nights. As we walked up the driveway, we were greeted by our hosts, Diane and Bill. Diane gave us a tour of the B & B and then gave us food recommendations for dinner. Upon depositing the contents of the car inside, we took off for dinner at the Tinakori Bistro. It was here we discovered chowder is more like a bisque, delighted ourselves on venison and salmon, then finished with the best dessert I have had since we arrived in New Zealand – a vanilla and raspberry crème bruelle. It was to die for. With our taste buds dancing in delight we made our way back to the Nikau Palms Bed & Breakfast for a night of sleep. Tomorrow we spend the day tramping around the Wellington area visiting numerous Lord of the Rings film locations.
Cheers,
Bob & Hayley

Today’s Fast Fact: Numerous Kiwis refer to Australia as the “Third Island.”