S3, E4: From north to…

A bit of rain, a bit of a cyclone with a beautiful name, and a bit of an earthquake later we are founding ourselves back in Wellington for the second time. You know what they say, third time’s the charm?

An unexpected journey

Given there was no hope of crossing to the south due to bookings and weather conditions, we figured to make the most of our time on the North Island and enjoy it as much as possible, before job hunting. NZ’s best day hike seemed like a plan. It was after all almost exactly 5 years since we’d done the Tongariro crossing. 19km of steep climbs and trotting downhill with an unforeseeable brutal extra 800m to the car park.

We visited the Whakapapa (say that four times) village, saw some footage of the active volcanos and recent eruptions, and then camped at a Doc campground nearby. An official spot with stunning views of the area, but far enough so you could at least try to get out of there in case of volcanic activity. While we went for our late evening stroll, Youlia felt the ground shaking, I was joking naturally. How could she feel it and I didn’t? At that time, I was 10 meters away from her. We woke up the next morning, read the news about the earthquakes (and after shakes), and began our ascend of Mount Ngauruhoe. An inspiration for Mount Doom in The LOTR universe.

True story

Those who have seen the series will undoubtedly know about the one ring to rule them all. Needless to say, Youlia found it. At the bottom of this Mount Doom, between two volcanic lakes. It was as scary as it was exciting. What was the story behind this ring? The most plausible explanation would probably be that someone had lost a ring right there, but who knows maybe someone left it there for a reason? Perhaps it was a final act of farewell? It all looked very much like the series itself. Should she even have picked it up? We could have sold the ring, easily, but this is not what happened next.

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Just kidding

So, the one ring to rule them all. Well, she threw it in a river. Better not to challenge faith she said and perhaps she’s right. While there is actual footage of her throwing away a gold-plated ring in the middle of nowhere, at this point it’s likely that the ring has reached the pacific ocean. Slowly journeying her way to the next clueless couple. Or maybe this is all bollocks and Youlia just threw away gold in a river.

Well, well Wellington

Turns out when you first arrive at the capital city, you drive through an industrial–uglyish–looking side. Keep following the coastline and you might encounter the stunning side as well.

Who doesn’t like seals? On the red rocks you can spot them guaranteed and for the price of nothing!

Be sure to check them out in the late afternoon. At that point, they’re basking in the sun and relishing you capturing photos of them while your skin is getting scorched.

Yesterday we magically managed to book a sailing to the south. One hour before departure they informed us the ferry had developed engineering issues😐… Seems like something is keeping us from crossing the cook strait.

…Precious?

Till next time!