Thursday, 13.02., from Wellington to Ohakune

Today we drive from Wellington to Ohakune, located on the edge of the great Tongariro National Park. First, we pick up our rental car and leave Wellington through the Mount Victoria Tunnel. On the way, we are followed by a 'villain' all in white ;-)

The drive north is wild and curvy again and is almost 300 KM long. Along the way, we take a break in the 'Outlet-City' of Otaki, and this time we actually give in to the sweaters. It's still winter back home. We need warm clothes!!!

And then we see the volcanic mountains. There is snow on Mount Ruapehu. We arrive at our new B&B at 6:30 PM. Here we meet a German couple who are planning to hike between the two volcanoes tomorrow and will be picked up by a shuttle at 5:30 AM - 19 KM, 8 hours! We are curious to hear what they have to say tomorrow evening. A little chat with the host and ordering breakfast rounds off the day.