Monday, June 18, 2007
@ 2:36 PM
14th JuneCan't remember what we did exactly during this day. We went by the Aratiatia Rapids where we saw the opening of the dam. Then we also went to Lake Taupo where some of us collected pumice from the shores. Then went to the Turangi river where we did river studies. Measured the width and depth as well as velocity of a part of the river. There were some of us who went into the river and in the end we had our legs freezing cold. Reached Piper Ski lodge where we had the whole lodge to ourselves. The room was the smallest compared with the previous accommodations. Still, we had our comfy sleep.
15th JuneThis was a very physically and mentally demanding day. We went up Mount Ruapehu which was covered in snow. We had lots of fun in the snow. Some group photos were taken there. Then some went further high up in the mountain where the slopes were getting steeper. If not for the rocks that were that, most of us would not even be able to reach the higher part of the mountain. We were about to reach the top but gave up as the road up ahead was even steeper than before. After that, we headed to the Volcano Activity Centre to have our small lunch before going to Mount Tongariro. It was as physically demanding as the Mount Ruapehu. We walked a long walk through the Tongariro Crossing. There was some climb to be done. The river water there was clean and suitable for drinking. We reached almost to the foot of the mountain before we gave up continuing as it was starting to snow. The view was pretty nice though. Had a long walk back to the bus. On the road back to our accommodation, we saw the place where the Lord of the Rings was filmed. Spent the final night at Piper Ski Lodge.