ANZAC weekend

ANZAC Day is a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand, to commemorate their respective losses on the warfields of World War I and II. "ANZAC" means Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. A whole week of emotional build-up culminates in the official celebrations on April 25. It is a very serious, heart-felt event, reminding the nation of the sacrifices made by previous generations to secure today's freedom. It's not at all conceivable to have a similar holiday in Germany, but that's fair enough, I guess.

Anyways, we use the long weekend (with ANZAC Day being a Friday) for a trip to Tongariro National Park, to hike the Tongariro Crossing.

Friday April 25, ANZAC Day

Awesome weather in National Park, sunshine and blue skies. We start the hike together with about 300 other people. Ah well, the joys of doing things on public holidays... However, Gabby, Tim, and me climb Mt Ngauruhoe, and the masses disappeared after that. We spent a whole hour on the summit, enjoying the spectacular panorama. That meant more hurry on the rest of the way, trying to catch our bus back to National Park (which we did!). Then, another hour's drive to Taupo, where we enjoy a free hot bath in the natural hot springs in the city's park. Awesome tip by Gabby, well done! :-)

Saturday April 26

Standard tourist program around Taupo: Huka Falls (impressive amounts of water), Craters of the Moon (disappointing collection of steamy mud pools). Then off to Waitomo, where Kat, Danny, and me go underground for some black water rafting. Very funny, and exciting, as the guide sends us off to explore some part of the cave on our own. Good fun!