New Zealand Day 19

New Zealand  Day 19  Wednesday February 5th

Travelling up to Taupo today, this is one of our longest journeys about 280 miles.  We had our usual start in Wellington fighting our way out, by far the worst traffic (and traffic system) we have had in NZ.  We had a few small stops when we passed something interesting and a stop for coffee in a place called Fielding.

We didn't realise we would drive next to the Tongariro National Park on the way.  We saw both the snow covered Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe which they used for Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings.

Mt. Ruapehu

Mt. Doom

We eventually got to the southern side of Lake Taupo which is the largest lake in NZ (I think).  It looks more like and inland sea but is fresh water.  It is surrounded by volcanoes and was formed by volcanoes.

We finally reached or very nice motel room after 5 hours travelling and it was a quick supper and relax.