I talked to the people at the Ohakune iSite (New Zealand's local information centers) and found out that there was snow in the forecast for the next few days on the Tongariro Crossing trail I planned to do while in this area. This was one thing I came to NZ wanting to do. Apparently I came maybe a day or two too late as the weather had been a little less precipitous a few days before. This is one of the more well known hikes in NZ and gives you some amazing views. Snow is in the forecast for the next few days up at that altitude. I can wait, but there is no guarantee it will be better after that. Summer is over after all.
I decided to stay another day, then drive to Taupo. I could always drive down to the trail from there if the weather improves.
After talking with them I drove up the mountain then did the Waitonga Falls hike. I was the only one on it and didn’t see anyone else until I was headed back to my car after several hours there. Pretty nice hike, but the falls at the end were awesome. I took a few pics of the waterfall, likely at flood stage, then tried to get closer. With the steep edges along the side of the creek there was only one way across - barefoot. I contemplated whether or not to commit to that idea, but after looking for ways to rock-hop across, I decided to go in - feet first. Cold water, but my feet dried quickly once I made it to the other side. Once I crossed I was able to get closer and to get a better view of the falls. To get to the base of the falls I would have needed water shoes which I didn't have on me. I was curious to see what was over there, but didn't want to get wetter than I already was. Maybe had it not been at flood stage I could have easily made it.
I decided to stay another day, then drive to Taupo. I could always drive down to the trail from there if the weather improves.
After talking with them I drove up the mountain then did the Waitonga Falls hike. I was the only one on it and didn’t see anyone else until I was headed back to my car after several hours there. Pretty nice hike, but the falls at the end were awesome. I took a few pics of the waterfall, likely at flood stage, then tried to get closer. With the steep edges along the side of the creek there was only one way across - barefoot. I contemplated whether or not to commit to that idea, but after looking for ways to rock-hop across, I decided to go in - feet first. Cold water, but my feet dried quickly once I made it to the other side. Once I crossed I was able to get closer and to get a better view of the falls. To get to the base of the falls I would have needed water shoes which I didn't have on me. I was curious to see what was over there, but didn't want to get wetter than I already was. Maybe had it not been at flood stage I could have easily made it.