Tongariro Crossing

We knew that we were going to have to pay for the 47 days of sunshine we had in Australia, but enough is enough.  We have managed to have some very fine days with warm temperatures and sunshine, but so far New Zealand weather has been predominantly windy, somewhat soggy, and downright cold at times.  

t seemed that everywhere we went on the South Island we were half a day ahead of the next storm and it was always windy.  Heading North seemed like a reasonable thing to do as moving towards the equator is typically a good thing.  Now we are getting reports of it being 35 C and fine in Otago while we're sitting in a Backpacker in Whakapapa with 10 C and rain.  Go figure.

We came to Whakapapa to do the Tongariro Crossing which is supposed to be a pretty fantastic day walk in good weather.  Luckily on our drive in yesterday, the sun was out so we were able to get some good pictures of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe ( recently portrayed as Mount Doom ) with the Rangipo desert in the foreground.  The forecast for tomorrow is for decreasing rain turning to fair in the afternoon so we've signed up for the shuttle and are going to give the crossing a go.  Lets hope the clouds clear out so we have a chance of a view at the top.