Another early start to catch the bus, but it was worth it for our first stop- which was a view point looking over a panoramic Lake Taupo, it was beautiful and simply stunning.
We then drove to Tongariro National Park where we walked around. Its where a large volcano most commonly know as Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings is, as well as the largest volcano in NZ the namesake of the park. We walked for 40 minutes through the park and marvelled at it's vast size, volcanoes, lava rocks, bushes and snow peaked mountains. We watched a fast flowing waterfall before heading back through thick forest to the village of Whakapapa (fakapapa).
Later we stopped in Waiouri where they do the cheapest ice cream in NZ, we asked for 2 scoops and got 1 free. We got yummy cookies&cream, chocolate and rainbow flavoured.
We then carried on to our stop of the evening River Valley, which it is what it says- a river going through a valley. We stayed at a lodge (the only place there) and once checked into our massive dorm room- 16 bed- 8 top, 8 bottom with mattresses touching! It's called the orgy room (and we've since heard on the tour before us it proved it's name). We crossed the river on a pulley trolley which was different, if a little scary (for me). We climbed the side of the mountain valley and took in the awesome views. I've had a cold past few days so we just chilled at night.
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