There is a cleanness to the air found in mountains; a fresh taste. This freshness can bring both the snows that cover the peaks and the rains that obscure them. Rains turn to fogs and clouds, so that the vistas to been seen from the peeks can only be momentarily glimpsed. Their elevation has drawn many men to seek the highest vantage points.
I have always loved mountains. Either looking up to their framing of the valleys below or being able to stand on their summits and view the distant vistas they offer. New Zealand has offered some of the most amazing mountains I have seen outside the ski fields of Europe and I share with you now some of those discoveries here.
North Island - Mount Tongariro
Mount Tongariro is actually an entire volcanic complex and World Heritage site. It is located 10 miles southwest of Taupo, and comprised of three active volcanoes dominating the landscape of the central North Island. We first saw the complex from the van on our arrival at lake Taupo. Its snow caped peeks were visible in the far distance over the lake above the shoreline. The park itself is roughly split into two parts. The main mountain town of Whakapapa is half way into the mountains and the base of the ski fields that sit atop its leading road. It has all levels of accommodation and comfort but we made tracks straight for the DOC campsite that sits between the road and a river. The average DOC site is a simple affair, but this one was much more. It had hot water – one of the few! – powered sites, a laundrette and a shop. All unlikely findings in a DOC camp. It also had one of the greatest views in the world.
Or at least it should have…
