10 UNFORGETTABLE TRIPS
1 Tama Lakes/Ngā Puna a Tama, TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Many New Zealanders get their introduction to tramping among the volcanoes, craters and emerald-coloured lakes of Tongariro National Park. An alternative to the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the tramp to the Tama Lakes/Ngā Puna a Tama – two large tarns set in old explosion craters south of Ngāuruhoe.
From Whakapapa, take the Upper Track to Taranaki Falls, then head east towards the Tama Lakes on a section of the Northern Tongariro Circuit. Blue poles mark the exposed terrain, with increasingly good views of Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu. At a prominent signposted junction, take the Tama Lakes Track. Flat travel leads to a viewpoint over the Lower Tama Lake after about 10 minutes. The Upper Tama Lake viewpoint is a further 30 minutes. (For a more advanced loop excursion to the lakes,
Grade Moderate Time 5.5–7hr
2 Te Paki Coastal Track, NORTHLAND
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua is a place of
