New Zealand day 8

On our 8th day in NZ we went hiking at the Putangirua Pinnacles. We came here because all of the Lord of the Rings films locations we visit were beautiful, both in the South Island in 2009, and in the North Island on this trip. We were not disappointed with the Putangirua Pinnacles, which was the film setting for the roads to the dead. 

Cute sisters!

 James found some cool ocean fossils in a large rock near the path. The cool pinnacles formations were created by thousands of years of water erosion.

I was so grateful that James is so patient and understands that pictures are very important to me.  He carried my bulky tripod while he hiked (and Addy for part of the way) so that we could take this family picture. Also, I didn't realize my camera battery was dead until we were half way there, and he quickly ran all the way back to the motorhome to get a new battery without even complaining. :)

We hiked the pinnacles in the morning and then started the drive back to Auckland. We planned to see Wellington since we were close, but we decided to head back early so we would have the time to make a couple stops along the way to see the Hamilton Temple and the Waitomo glowworm caves. We also didn't want to be too rushed, so that we could pull over more often to let the girls to get out and play.

NZ Day 7

On our 7th day in NZ we visit Kaitoke Regional Park. This forest park was used as the Lord of the 

Rings film location for Rivendell. It would be awesome if this place really looked like picture of Rivendell below! Kaitoke Regional Park is very beautiful, but the waterfalls and most of the Rivendell scenery was digitally created. 

Torah in a rare pensive mood. She is usually all smiles and she spends her days running around being wild.

New Zealand Day 6

We spent our 6th day in New Zealand exploring the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Mount Tongariro is a a very active volcano that last erupted in November 2012, just 4 months before our visit. Mount Tongariro was also used as the film location for "Mount Doom" in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. 

Mount Doom 

Eruption November 21, 2012

I didn't take many pictures of Torah because she insisted I carry her the entire way. So long as she was in my arms she sure was happy!

Addy was so sweet the entire way. We were proud of her for walking most of the way by all by herself.

We made it about 5 kilometers before the we stopped for rest and realized that the girls were too tired to keep going and were clearly ready to turn around.

Happy again! On our way back. 

                                                 
                                               The beautiful stream following the path.

Torah was happy to see the stroller again! We used it for part of the way until the trail became too steep and bumpy.

Mount Tongariro is such a beautiful place. We would love to return again and hike 5 kilometers further to reach the beautiful "Emerald Lakes."

A photo of the Emerald Lakes taken by Sarah Nuttall and posted on NationalGeographic.com