Volcanoes, thermal springs and smaller hikes on the North Island

Even if, according to the count on this page, only 18 people are interested in what we're up to, I'll continue to write diligently. But Muesli is sure that there must be something wrong - the meter is probably broken!

We start our report today in Tongariro National Park. There are three still active volcanoes here that can be seen from afar. At 2797m, Mount Ruapehu is the highest mountain in the North Island, Mount Ngauruhoe is Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings and Mount Tongariro gives the national park its name. We spend the night at a campsite on Lake Taupo and go for a day hike to the giants. We don't want to do the famous crossing, I already hiked it 18 years ago and these days there are too many people for us. A day later we drive to another tourist hotspot, so we avoid the crowds here.

After the volcanic mountains, the Rotorua volcanic area is on our travel list. We first visit the bubbling and colorful Wai-O-Tapu geothermal area and enjoy this natural spectacle. We diligently read all the signs and try to understand what exactly is happening here, but we either lack the correct English vocabulary or (more likely) general knowledge in this area. We are so impressed too! For our two nights here we happened upon a campsite that turned out to be a real stroke of luck. Next door, a spring bubbles out of the ground at 98°C, which is cooled down and fed into 6 different pools. The use of the pools is included in the overnight price, so we are in the water for three days in a row and almost dissolve. On the day of departure we even set an alarm for 6 a.m. so we could enjoy the hot water again, crazy! But a nice hobby, such hot thermal springs ;-)!

We then spend two nights in the motel in Hamilton because we have to do laundry again. Hamilton is also supposed to be very beautiful, but we didn't see any of it. Because one day we are at the zoo (which is also very nice, small and species-appropriate) and the second day in Hamilton is rainy. So exactly as we are used to in Northern Germany. From morning to evening, at 14 degrees. We have the day to plan, wash, etc. used. Now we at least have a visa for Tanzania. Because oh dear, soon we'll have to say goodbye. It happened so quickly!

When the weather improves we travel to the Coromandel Peninsula. First there was a hike to the Pinnacles. Maybe one last time here in New Zealand with a big backpack and tent. The path wasn't that long, but it was steep. After setting up our tent at the camp, we climbed to the top with little luggage. Yes, really climbed with ladders and iron hooks in the rock. Muesli has mastered that too! We were rewarded with a great view in the best weather! The next day we took a different route back to the car, where we had to cross a river just before the parking lot. Luckily it wasn't that full at the moment and we got there dry-footed.

We were only at the famous Hot Water Beach for a short time and played a bit of people watching, funny these human top dogs :-)!

After Coromandel we went through Auckland to the west coast of Northland (30km north of Dargaville - information for I. & D.).

Now all that remains is to wish you many greetings from the warm north of New Zealand. And I would like to point out that we may not be in touch as regularly from Tanzania. So please don't wait and don't worry if you don't hear anything!

@ beloved cooking group: Well, more like two of them who want to fill a card, because one has to pet the dog... : Are the place names in the text enough or do you need more precise information?