Taupo .... the fate mountain must wait

We actually came to Taupo to finally do the Tongariro Crossing. After two days, when the path was finally open, we thought we could start. THIS TIME (we learn from our mistakes....) we made sure to find out that we can only do the tour at this time of the year if we are skilled in using crampons and ice axe... But since we will be passing through Taupo again, we have postponed the tour until spring - Mordor will have to wait....

Other than that, Taupo is just as beautiful and enchanting as expected. We visited Huka Falls and yesterday we hiked through Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane forest. Since it's still the off-season, we have been alone on the big tracks so far. I love it and hope the tourist crowds will wait a bit longer ^^

Tomorrow morning we will head to Wellington to pick up our 3rd travel mate on Friday night :D