We did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing today in 7.5 hours ... 19.4 km between two volcano craters.  Thank goodness for my toque and gloves, the temp was -2 to start with 50 km winds.  Once we reached the other side, we entered a tropical paradise with +20 temps ... unbelievable terrain diversity.  We also made a little detour to see a very large carrot in Ohakune on our way to Wanganui. 

Barnaby made a new friend today ... the New Zealand Kiwi Bird.  We found him standing at the side of the road near Tongariro National Park. 

Maori Carving

We were suppose to kayak out to this 10 metre high Maori rock carving, but due to the rain, we took a boat instead.  We went to the Taupo Museum and learned about the local history and the incredible geothermal activity in the area and also went for a swim on a river side that was fed with natural hot springs. Fun at every corner!

Yesterday included a visit to a local Rotoru geyser.  The park guide dumped a brown bag of soap into the hole and three minutes later the geyser burst.  We spent about 2 hours walking around their park grounds to check out all various pools of colour and 100 degree temperatures.  In the late afternoon we took a dip in the Rotoru Hot Springs, a great way to end the day.

Here is Argo, our new home away from home.  Barnaby has his head sticking out as he didn't want to get his fur wet in the rain.  I was putting to use my new reusable Starbucks cup as we were just enjoying some Starbucks Refreshers thanks to Hall Family who knew I couldn't leave home with out my Starbucks. We packed in a full day after landing at 5:15 in the morning.  Our new mantra .... left, left, left.  You have to pay attention when driving on the left side of the road, roundabouts are backward, and when you signal ... the windshield wipers come on ... hahahaha.  The wipers and signal leavers are reversed, so when it did start raining, we did a lot of signaling!  More travels and adventures to come. 

Made it to the airport on time!  One big hockey bag, one back pack, one camera bag, one computer bag and one carry on with reading materials .... check, check, double check.  For just $150 they took my oversize hockey bag with a smile.  Let the adventure begin! 

Only 52 more days until Keith and I leave for New Zealand.  This morning I woke to this ...  It only took 1.5 hours with my snowblower to clear my driveway.  Looking forward to not shoveling for a year.