Day 17. Sunday 23rd November 2003
Otaki - Whakapapa Village, Tongariro

Set off for Whakapapa Village to get settled in for our big walk the next day, the Tongariro National Park Crossing. Quite a long drive to get there and got there about 3-4pm, had a look around the information centre and bought the map.

Went and camped at the very damp, as in the woods and by a river, campsite. Didn't do a lot that evening because there wasn't a lot here to do. Woman at the campsite office advised the walk (the bus to/from start) may be cancelled if the weather was bad, the weather was OK so decided to book and see what it was like the next day. Saw Mount Ruapehu (Mt Doom) which was impressive. The walk is to be right through the volcanoes, some of which are still active apparently.

Slightly scared but looking forward to the adventure. We got everything packed for an early start (7:30am pick up). Spent rest of the evening playing games, I am the winner at Snap!