Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 8-Tongariro River Trail continuation, Turangi- 4/18/2024

As we followed the trail, on the eastern side of the loop, we pass through alongside stretches of open farmland, which contrast beautifully with the bush and river scenery.

We are now reaching the farmland area.

We saw lots of cows grazing on open field.

It is very typical to see cows grazing in New Zealand

Beautiful rolling meadows.

The cows are happily playing amongst themselves.

Wire fences marking property boundaries.

Wide open skies and across to the Tongariro National Park in the distance.

Then we walked through a forested area.

This area is full White Pine trees.  They are New Zealand's tallest native trees often reaching up to 196 ft.

Slim, straight trunks with flaky bark and a crown of small leaves.

The White Pin trees are New Zealand’s iconic native forest giants, and they give the trail its serene, almost cathedral-like feel in places.

The trail took us to more farmland.

The path through or near farmland is typically flat, graveled, and often sun-exposed.

There are clear signs marking the trail to keep you off private land, but you’re close enough to feel immersed in the pastoral atmosphere.

The farmland gives the trail a varied rhythm, switching from dense native bush and riverbank to wide, sunny spaces.

The trail design helps protect landowner boundaries while letting users enjoy a glimpse of rural life.

It is such a beautiful area to walk by.

This area has more trees.

Again, more farmland with cows moving along freely.

Happy cows.

We are heading toward the end of the trail and we passed through a simple wooden bridge

Under the bridge is a stream,  it crosses is often shallow and clear, with rounded stones and a gently babbling flow which is a quiet contrast to the larger, faster Tongariro River.

The bridge is surrounded by native bush and often fern-lined, this spot feels peaceful and tucked away.

Trees in the are bigger.

Another bridge to cross..

Autumn is the air and the foliage is starting to change colors.

Reflection of the sun shining over the Tongariro river.

So beautiful!

We are on the upper bank looking down at the Tongariro river.

The flow of the river here is stronger.

Tongariro River.

We completed the whole loop and we are now crossing the river to get to the parking lot.

I love the colors of the trees in the fall.

Our lodge is really close to the Trail and it took us maybe 10 minutes to check to our lodge.  This is main street leading to our lodge.

Here is our lodge.  The blue car you see is our rental car for the 3 weeks we will be in New Zealand.

The lodge is really spacy with a great balcony on the exterior.

Here is the balcony.

NEXT... Wellington