The plan for the next phase of the holiday was to do the Tongariro Crossing. This involved a journey of close to 300km, but started with a motorway. The Kiwi motorways mostly are dual carriage ways with a bit of a hard shoulder, but nothing as good as the M50. There was also a fierce gusting wind. This affected the camper like nothing I have ever driven. On the steady bits the steering wheel was turned to the right by 20 degrees. When we passed an obstrction to the wind, like a tree, there was a swift 40 degrees each way correction and a lurch and struggle to keep it between the lane markings. What a beast!
As the day drew on and we left the coast things improved. The journey progressed well. We stopped at a couple of markets to top up the supplies. Then we saw in the distance the volcanoes with snow on their flanks. With the network of roads we still had more than 60km to travel.
We drove up to Whakapapa to the visitor centre and decided to stay at the campsite there for 2 nights. We booked transport for the crossing the next day and were on site by 4:00.
Sue doesn’t like the site with too much tarmac. It is divided into individual bays – we are number 12. In the woods there is no good outlook and the opportunities to watch life go past are limited.
I like the peacefullness and the shelter from the wind and the accessibility of the village and some walks to do.
We’ll see how we get on. I’m writing this sitting in the sun with a cup of coffee and I might head out soon with the camera. Sue is off for a run A fairly amazing run to a waterfall she remembers going to with Ian, you can go behind it so also memories of the Brecons.
Back from an hour out taking photos of the surrounding peaks, sitting in the kitchen as Sue makes the dinner. Camp Kitchens are always interesting with the mix of nationalities, pasta and vegtables seems to be the most popular dish though. At least 6 different nationalities in here tonight. Then to bed will all quiet after 10:00.
Tags: New Zealand
