230.-232. Day 03.05. - 05.05. Wellington / Mt. Taranaki / Forgotten Highway

Ebimisami: 25.09.2019

Friday 03.05.

Waking up in Wellington, we took the Cable Car, an iconic landmark of the city. Right after, we walked through the Botanic Gardens on our way back.

Wellington Cable Car
Wellington Cable Car
Best Kebab Shop
Best Kebab Shop

Among other things, we saw a firefighting competition of youth fire brigades at the 'Te Papa Tongarewa' museum.

Firefighting Competition
Firefighting Competition

After about 2 hours of driving, we arrived at a remote corner of the North Island, the Pinnacles, the 'Path of the Dead', a scene from the 3rd part of 'The Lord of the Rings'.

The Pinnacles - Path of the Dead
The Pinnacles - Path of the Dead

Afterwards, we drove a few kilometers to the north, passing through Palmerston North, a large town in the middle of the island.

We stopped at a free campsite behind the town and spent a cozy evening.

Saturday 04.05.

After another 200km in the morning, we arrived at Mt. Taranaki, the most impressive mountain I have ever seen.

2518m high, and at the foot of the mountain, you are at an altitude of 30m above sea level!!
Wow, truly impressive.

Mt. Taranaki
Mt. Taranaki
Beautiful View
Beautiful View

There, we did a nice round track and met some hikers who were almost at the summit. However, there was a big ice block in their way, so they had to turn back.

We camped directly at the mountain for the night.

Sunday 05.05.

In the morning, we went on a 1-hour walk on the mountain.

Mt. Taranaki at sunrise
Mt. Taranaki at sunrise

After finishing the first mountain, we headed towards our actual destination, Tongariro National Park.

On Highway 43, also known as 'Forgotten Highway', we traveled 230km along the so-called 'highway'. An adventurous route, indeed.

Tunnel on Highway 43
Tunnel on Highway 43
Forgotten Highway A43
Forgotten Highway A43

This is what they call a 'highway'.

A gravel road through a nature reserve, 28km long.

Super Landscape
Super Landscape

Arriving at the camp in Whakapapa Village, we cooked shrimp and delicious vegetables together as a strength for the upcoming 4-day hike.

Gourmet Food
Gourmet Food


Eyano