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Trip around the world in 63 days, 2003
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We drive inland again and see many domes of basalt, like a volcano that started but stopped when it was 20 meters high. The main destination today is the mount Egmont or Mount Taranaki. The volcano is 2512m high, partly covered in snow. The volcano is isolated, symmetrical and many people like to climb it. However, the mountain is very treacherous. About 67 people died in the last years, usually caught in rapidly changing weather. The storms can approach very quickly in these area’s. We mount the mountain as far as we can go and enjoy a nice view.
We proceed further to the south and sleep in Levia, in sight of the Tararua Mountain range.
We have booked the ferry to the South Island the next day and now we have to speed up a little. However the main road is dull and we decide to take a detour through Upper Hut. A road full of bends and one car wide, so you have to drive carefully for opposite traffic. We enjoy the scenic route and find some time to spend in the capital Wellington, especially in the national TePa museum. Free entry, but parking cost a fortune. It is extremely interesting, but time is running out. We are on time to board the Inter Islander ferry for the three and a half hour trip to the South Island.