Walking 5:00:00 [3] 15.0 km (20:00 / km)
Attempt to do Tongariro Crossing. Low cloud as we drove up - couldn't see Tongariro or Ngauruhoe, but only the top of Ruapehu was obscured. However, cloud came down as we started, and we were walking in constant drizzle, with a good breeze behind us. At Soda Springs we decided to turn back as people coming down were reporting zero visibility and very strong winds. Rain in our faces going back. Guide then drove us to Whakapapa where we had a coffee and set out to visit Taranaki Falls. Cloud had risen a little on the Ruapehu side, but still couldn't see any sign of Ngauruhoe. Nice walk to a nice spot (as featured in LOTR where Frodo meets Faramir). On the way back out of Whakapapa we also stopped at Tawhai Falls, another nice waterfall.
Shame about missing out on the Crossing - will have to have another go sometime.
