Day 4 Trekking the Path to Mount Doom

This morning I was awoken way too early by the kids before 8am. While I had wanted to sleep in till 9am, Ephraim was already dragging me off bed so it was an early start for us. Headed out for Whakapapa Village at 10.30am and started our 6km Taranaki Falls track at about 11.30am. I have to admit, between 2 seniors and one 3-year old, I had serious doubts if we could make it. But the 3 younger kids impressed me with their energy and resilience and kept us all going till the end.

This is one of the best hikes I’ve ever taken. 5 stars for the trek, which is housed within a dual status UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural and historical influence to the country. We finished the trek in about 3 hours, an hour more than the expected duration but certainly left with many great memories.

This is also where you can catch a glimpse of the infamous Mount Doom (Mount Ngauruhoe) featured in Peter Jackson’s iconic Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

The going was relatively easy, and the change from bushland, to mossy forest to volcanic land, to streams and waterfall made for a perfect scenic adventure which as I mentioned even a 3-year old could complete. Personally it was an extremely relaxing hike that helps to free the mind.

After the hike, we made a quick stopover at Turangi for a late lunch and while I had hoped for a stroll along Lake Taupo, the heavy rains drove us on. We returned to our chalet in Ohakune for a home cooked meal.