Tongariro

Get up before sunrise and catch your booked shuttle to the start of the track. We had decided to spend the night before and after our hike in a lodge accomodation so we could have a good rest before and a bed awaiting us on the other end without having to worry about checking in and figuring out any logistics. After checking in the night before, we dashed to the shops before they closed to get supplies to take on the hike, made dinner at the communal lodge and caught half of Inglorious Basterds in the common room.

Rain was forecast on the day we were due to do our hike, and the only day that we could do it because of our booked ferry crossing. The day we arrived the weather had been to rough and the hike had been closed. The next morning when we arrived at the track, there were signs saying due to the weather it was not recommended to do the hike. Since our local driver had just reassured us by the time the rain came we would be well on the other side of the mountain, we did not think twice about doing it, but we were mindful of the time and not stopping for too long to admire the views.