We'll start out with pictures...that's the only way we can describe this place. The pictures don't even do it justice. For all of you "Lord of the Rings" fans this is Mordor...Mount Doom. This is where all of Mount Doom was filmed. It's clearly apparent and utterly amazing. 
Our plans were to start from Mangatapopo and stay at the Ketatahi Hut for one night and then proceed to Oturere. On day two we'd hike to Whaihohonu Hut, stay there for the night and then hike out. Unfortunately the weather turned for the worse and our plans required some modification. 
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has this great hut system in the Tongariro World Heritage Site. It's rather luxurious...running water, cooking stoves, hut wardens, and sleeping bunks! Oh and did I forget...spectacular views and seismic activity?!? While viewing our world below on the deck of the hut we experienced two earthquakes. One was just a little rumble while the other was quite concerning but oh-so cool! It's odd to think we were sitting on the side of a volcano experiencing an earthquake.
We're down the hill after severe winds, no visibility, and mist for rain...oh, and bitter cold too. Hey, it's summer time - no need to suffer, eh? Off to Wellington...
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