New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 9: From Skotel Alpine Resort to Tama Lake, Mount Ngauruhoe with views of Mount Ruapehu

On day 9 of our travels in New Zealand, it was a full day of nature as we trekked towards Mount Ngauruhoe to check out Tama Lake. Enroute, we were also able to get amazing views of Mount Ruapehu, next to Skotel Alpine Resort. This morning, we didn’t pay the additional charge for the buffet breakfast at Skotel Alpine Resort but decided to have a huge cup of flat white for $5.5 before our trek. We left at about 8am and our first stop was Taranaki Falls at about 9am…

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 9 – Trekking from Skotel Alpine Resort to Tama Lake, Mount Ngauruhoe

Entrance of Taranaki Falls Track, Tama Lakes Track and Tongariro Northern Circuit

It was beautiful day with clear blue skies and views of Mount Ruapehu. It was a little windy when we first started but it was beautiful to take in the creation of God. Rainbows formed while we were at Taranaki Falls as well. Of course, the snow capped Mount Ruapehu took most of our attention this morning…

Mount Ruapehu as seen from trail off Skotel Alpine Resort

View of Mount Ruapehu enroute to Tama Lakes

The trek from Taranaki Falls to Tama Lake would take another 2 hours. However, the trek requires visitors to go up and down slopes and terrain filled with pebbles. While most part of the trek are either paved or have wooden board walks built, you’ll still have to cross undulating paths such as this river crossing…

Crossing a field of stones , rocks and pebbles enroute to Tama Lake

Treacherous route, crossing narrow paths and streams to Tama Lake NZ

At about 1030am, we arrived at Lower Tamar Lake…

Probably the only toilet we saw on the way to Tama Lake - which was actually quite clean — Probably the only toilet we saw on the way to Tama Lake – which was actually quite clean

2bearbear at Lower Tama Lake Waikato New Zealand

The wind at Lower Tama Lake actually picked up and it was getting a little bit difficult to remain at the viewing point to take in the pristine blue colours of Lower Tama Lake. Thankfully, some other visitors told us about a little mound that provides protection from the wind. There, we took some tea and warmed ourselves up before we headed back. Nope, heading to Upper Lake Tama would be a little daunting for us. Didn’t have the will to head any further, unlike the day we “saw” the lavas at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

If you’re taking this trek from Skotel Alpine Resort to Tama Lake and find that the journey is a little too long, you’ll find some solace when you see the toilet above. It means that you’re really close by already. A group of hikers actually left their bags here at the toilet area so that they won’t have to carry their equipment back and forth.

As the wind was quite strong, we stayed for only about 15 minutes and made our way back. The return trip is slightly easier due to the mostly down-slope treks. When you’re close to Taranaki Falls, you’ll be given the option to take the scenic lower falls route which we did…

Another view of Taranaki Falls enroute back from Tama Lake

Greenery and shade along scenic route back from Taranaki Falls

Kate taking a dip in river enroute back from Taranaki Falls

Another shot of river enroute from Taranaki Falls

The scenic route not only offers views but also the much needed shade as the sun rose later that day. Kate even got to dip her feet in the river enroute back, getting some much needed rest and cooling aid from the walk that became much tougher as the day wore on. Thankfully, we returned back to Skotel Alpine Resort by 1pm – before the heat got unbearable. Hence, setting out in the morning and returning by lunch time is definitely a good timing that we’d recommend for visits to the Lakes. Remember to bring sufficient water and protective wear to cover yourself from the scorching sun later in the day!

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 9 – Dinner at Skotel Alpine Resort

The rest of the day was pretty much chill and relax. We did a nap in the afternoon before having dinner at the in-house restaurant of Skotel Alpine Resort. We made a reservation this evening but did not request for the window seat. Remember to do so if you want to enjoy your meal with views out to the plains next to the resort. Thankfully, the staff were accommodating and were able to make arrangements for us to be seated at the table for about 45 minutes, which was sufficient for our meal this evening…

Dinner at Skotel Alpine Resort Restaurant and Bar

Tuatara Hazy Pale Ale ($12) and Hawkes Bay Peach Bomb Cider ($11) from Skotel Alpine Resort Restaurant and Bar

This evening, we ordered the Kiwi Steak ($39) and the Beef Burger + Smashed Avocados ($26+$3.5). For drinks, we had the Tuatara Hazy Pale Ale ($12) and Hawkes Bay Peach Bomb Cider ($11).

Beef burger and avocado smash ($26 + $3.5) from Skotel Alpine Resort Restaurant and Bar

Kiwi Steak ($39) from Skotel Alpine Resort Restaurant and Bar

Dinner this evening at Skotel Alpine Resort was amazing! The Kiwi Steak was HUGE and CHUNKY – a portion that even gents might have difficulty finishing, but not for Tom of course. Have you not seen his tummy? It says it all really &#128517

But we digress.

Back to the steak, it had the beefy taste just the way we like it. Grilled to perfection with those beautiful grill lines you’d see on advertisements. Plus, it was SO TENDER! No need for steak knives even! The beef burger was excellent as well. Juicy and well marinated. The smashed avocado was an excellent add-on that went well with the burger and salad.

After our 45 minutes were up, we adjourned to the seats outdoors with our remaining fries and beers where we enjoyed the views and sunset…

Chilling at the outdoor patio of Skotel Alpine Resort after dinner

Views of the beautiful clear plains and sunlit mountains…ah…

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All in all, it was an excellent stay at Skotel Alpine Resort. For $100 a night with attached toilet, it was definitely a perfect base to start off your exploration of the nature and treks in the Tongariro National Park. Stay tuned as we continue our drive back north towards Auckland with another highlight of our trip enroute – Huhu Chalet!

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New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 2: Arriving in Auckland and Hanging out in Hamilton

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 3: Visiting Hobbiton, Lake Rotorua and Eat Streat in Rotorua

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 4: Mud Spa at Hell’s Gate Rotorua, Huka Falls, Dixie Browns and Millenium Manuel Hotel Taupo

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 5: Mini Golf, Lake Taupo Maori Cave Carving Cruise, Cornerstone Taphouse and Steaks at Edgewater Restaurant Taupo!

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 6: Mission Estate Winery, Te Awanga Estate, Remutaka Crossing and Hey Day Beer Co Wellington

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 7: Breakfast at Wellington Sea Market, Fork and Brewer Craft Beer, Wellington Museum, Rogue and Vagabond, Shelly Bay Wellywood Sign

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 8: Mount Victoria and driving back north to Bulls and Skotel Alpine Resort, Tongariro National Park

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 9: From Skotel Alpine Resort to Tama Lake, Mount Ngauruhoe with views of Mount Ruapehu

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 10: Stopping at Taumarunui enroute to Huhu Chalet and Waitomo Ruakuri Caves!