Forest lakes and volcanoes (behind the clouds?)

A visit to New Zealand's north island, without passing Roturoa seemed impossible. We got ourselves soaked in a couple of hot springs but tried to avoid all the adventure parks, and also passed lake Taupo and even continued further down to Tongarino National Park. It seemed beautiful, but the rain was pouring down and the volcanoes well-wrapped in thick clouds. The Mangamate campsite next to Whirinaki Forest Park and a hike down to the river gorge was the highlight of the second week.


Mangamate campsite.