approaching Mt. Ruapehu (2797m) tallest moutain in the north island. Left Hamilton at 7.30 and arriving at Tongariro National Park at 10.30...did the five hour return trip alongside mount ruapehu to the upper and lower Lake Tama...look below for more spectacular views 

this water running of the mountains is so clear 

after half an hour we arrived at the Taranaki Falls 

looking across the flat landscape to Mount Ruapehu, shrouded in clouds 

i came over the hill and saw this lake and was stunned by the blue water 

Lower Tama Lake 

so bloody steep! and this is almost at the top of this hill 

all around here is volcanic area... 

how Lord of the Rings is this shot! they did filming all around this area 

Upper Tama Lake 

at the furthest point of the round trip, reached upper Tama Lake from Whakapapa village in three hours...the entire loop is 17km and took us 5 hours...this lake has stunning turquoise water, it got pretty chilly out there if we stood in the one place too long 

those clouds hung around all day...but we got a few good glimpses of the snowy peaks 

another shot of the mountain 

more wildflowers 

i made chilli and lentil soup and it was sooo delicious, all in my little kitchen 

at the beginning/end of the walk, purple wildflowers