Taupo

Our first step was to get ready for the Tongariro Northern Circuit trek. I had some anxiety about how much we needed to accomplish in our timeframe. Having only 2 days to get everything we needed to head into the backcountry. To add to my anxiety the forecast was showing below-freezing temperatures at night, little to no visibility at the ridgeline, and a high probability of freezing rain with a chance of snow.

Shopping for Gear

Thankfully, we were in the right place, at the right time of year. Taupo is a popular town for the outdoors with a reputation of being a base camp for mountain biking. Because of this, the town has numerous camping stores and outlets. And we went to them all! Katmandu, Gordons, Torpedo7, Mammout Outlet, and MacPac! We even went to some non-camping stores as well.

Our first stop was at Torpedo7 where we were able to make the first pass at our necessities. A stove, gas, water filter, and wool base layers. Next, we went to Gordons, a ski shop where we were able to get winter coats. I was able to find a spider jacket that I was debating purchasing in Amsterdam

shopping for gear
exchange rate

The Bistro

Craters of the Moon

That Other Park

Dinner at Bisto
- take one
- tasting menu

Northern Circuit

washed out trail
fancy fresh dinner
up and over the ridges
running into the couple from Tane Mahuto
lava shoot
emerald lakes
MT DOOM
entering Mordor
tiny hut
rest day
- short hike
- walk without packs
- hot lunch
- walk to the spring
- 8.5/10 sunset
- clouds
walkout
- waking up to Mt doom
- lazy morning
- misting
- waterfall
- Giant burgers