Te Araroa, Day 46

The way to Owhango is an old country road—very scenic. I enjoy it a lot, but I am very tired too. I did not sleep much and woke up at 4:30 like most days.

The road is quiet, and I see many farm animals. At one point, there is a beautiful ostrich. I talk with that animal who seems to listen. When I start walking again, it accompanies me on his side of the fence. Just before the end of his fence, the ostrich gets down and starts to do a "dance." A mating dance? I filmed it but can't upload videos here.

Another strange encounter was a dead bird hanging on a power line. It looked electrocuted, but how could that be?

I arrive at about 12:45 in Owhango. There is a small café. I pick up a cheese scone there and wait for X and the bus that we are going to take to a town called National Park.

We will do the crossing of Tongariro National Park tomorrow as a side trip, then take a bus back to Owhango and continue walking from there.

Tongariro National Park is a world heritage area with three active volcanoes. I did the crossing in 1996 and 1999 and always liked it. I am looking forward to doing it again.

The bus ride to National Park is short. From National Park, we already have nice views of the volcanoes.
We settle in National Park, organize food, and get ready for the day walk on the next day.

Waiting for the once a day bus to National Park:

Mt. Ruapehu seen from National Park: