Exploring New Zealand:
Mount Ngauruhoe, Tongariro Crossing

Mount Ngauruhoe (aka "Mount Doom" from the Lord of the Rings movies) looms ahead on our fourth day as we start out on the Tongariro Crossing. The nearby snow-covered volcano is Mt. Ruapehu and Mt. Taranaki (on the coast) is visible in the far distance. Others in the group managed to squeeze in a climb all the way up Ngauruhoe before coming back down to rejoin the trail up and over Tongariro. Afterwards we all thoroughly enjoyed a swim in a geothermal pool before returning to our lodge in Turangi.

(Click on any thumbnail image below to view a medium-sized enlargement.)

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