Tongariro National Park

The beautiful scenery really kicked up a notch as we departed Taupo.  Taupo itself is a gorgeous town next to a huge lake.  It's a popular vacation destination for Kiwis.  We actually seriously considered taking a job there, but the hospital is very small and Steve worried about the slow pace.  We're glad that we were able to spend a bit of time in Taupo and soak up the beauty of the area.

Not far outside of Taupo, you pass a sign saying "Entering Tongariro National Park."  No booth, no attendant, no fees...just come on through!  It was beautiful and green, especially considering that it's the middle of winter here.  We'll have to make another visit during the warmer months.

Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, this majestic mountain appears in view:  Mount Ruapehu.  It's a fairly active volcano and is the highest point on the North Island.  We're glad to have seen it in winter because it's so stunning covered in snow.

This is the view of the other side of the road...

Within a few kilometers after passing the mountains, we drove through a very barren area, where it looked like this in every direction.  Those clouds were somewhat ominous!

Steve sped up to pass a big truck, and just after passing we turned a little corner into view of a police officer...out there, in the middle of nowhere!  Steve slammed on the brakes, but it was too late.  No negotiating with that guy!  He wrote Steve up for speeding:  $170 ticket.  Yikes!

Since it was a little bland and stormy outside, I had fun tickling Luke's cute little feet.

Landon had no interest in being tickled.

The next several hours looked a lot like this...

They say there are more sheep than people in New Zealand...we believe it!