In an effort to save money, as well as get my sister to come to Wellington, we drove home with her after our few days in Hamilton. It’s real long drive, about 8 hours without stops! But the scenery is beautiful even if you’ve seen it all many times before.

The Desert Road is one of my favourite stretches. It’s desolate, covered in tufty grasses and rocky creeks. It’s often misty and the three volcanic mountains hold snow on their peaks. Tongariro National Park is a dreamscape.

Mt Ruapehu // Desert Road // Mt Ngauruhoe // Bulls // Blossoms // Mt Ruapehu // Lake Taupo