Last week my boyfriend and I celebrated our 4th anniversary. We marked four years of epic adventures with a roadtrip around part of the central North Island that included a swim in a thermal pool, a visit to the snow, a stay in a haunted hotel and some amazing food. I also shot some outfits while we were down there, but I’ll share those with you in another post. For now, grab a cup of tea and prepare for lots of photos…
My roadtrip essentials include my Fujifilm Instax Wide 210, a map so I can plan my trip, Ultraceuticals SunActive SPF 50+ Mineral Face & Body Lotion, Red Bull Zero, Hurraw! Balm Black Cherry Tinted Lip Balm and a Spotify playlist
DAY ONE:
A very familiar sight when driving around New Zealand: being stuck behind a truck. We took it easy, cranked up the music and enjoyed our surroundings (and eventually passed the truck)
Our first night was spent in Taupo – we stayed at Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort, which I booked through wotif.com. One of the main reasons we chose to stay there (aside from the price) was because of the on site hot springs – the perfect place to relax and unwind! I wish I lived closer to a thermal spring, I’d love to be able to soak in there more often. And remember the one piece bathing suit I wanted from EziBuy? I got it and it is super comfortable.
Loving my new Sara Crossover One Piece bathing suit from EziBuy!
We went to The Brantry for what I can only describe as one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Amazing food, great service and such a cute restaurant! If you ever get a chance to go there, take it – at just $55 for three courses it’s well worth it!
DAY TWO:
We had brunch at Dixie Browns with my in-laws, followed by a little bit of shopping (I bought more books that I probably don’t need but I am determined to find the time to read them!) and then we got back on the road.
While we were in Taupo, I got a parking ticket for staying in my car park too long. I was sad about it, but went straight to the council to pay my $15 fine.
I’m not really a landscape photographer, but I tried to capture some of the beauty that is the Desert Road. I love how desolate it looks…
The view of Mt Ruapehu from the Turangi end of Desert Road. You can only just see hints of the mountain, but look! Snow!
Waiouru Military Area, Desert Road
“As they retreated, they destroyed everything in their path leaving nothing but fire, destruction and scorched earth…”
It was such a shame that Mt Ruapehu was hidden by cloud!
Me with a tank at the National Army Museum in Waiouru
We stopped to do touristy things, like visit the National Army Museum in Waiouru and take photos of random iconic things like the enormous carrot in Ohakune. I love doing random touristy things (even ones I’ve done before).
Meagan wears: Autograph Tank Top, Boohoo Plus Kimono (sold out), Sara Jeggings from EziBuy, Rubi Shoes Jade Plimsoles and Max Cat Eye Sunnies (sold out)
Me with the “Big Carrot” in Ohakune. It’s 7.5 metres tall!
I had to get my photo taken with the “Big Carrot” in Ohakune. It’s a symbol of the importance of market gardening to the local economy, and it’s as old as I am! Not looking too bad for 30, are we?
Selfies in Tongariro National Park
And finally after lots of driving (and lots of stopping to take photos!), we arrived at our hotel for the night – Chateau Tongariro.
I’ve wanted to stay here ever since I was a little girl. It opened in 1929 and has a very interesting history (including being an asylum in World War Two), and is rumoured to be haunted! It’s a pretty imposing building and reminds me of a cross between The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Shining. Inside, it’s magnificent – like stepping back into the luxury of the 1930’s.
Looking out the window of Room 706 at Chateau Tongariro
Ruapehu Room, Chateau Tongariro
We had a delicious dinner in the Ruapehu Room, and then did a spot of exploring. I’m not going to lie, I did want to see if I could find anything spooky (it was Halloween, what better way to spend the evening than hunting for ghosts?).
The plunge pool in the basement of Chateau Tongariro
We trudged down into the basement where the pool and sauna (and a number of other facilities) are located. There was nothing spooky, but the pool was lit by some crazy (possibly UV?) lights – I’m not sure if I could swim with those, the lighting is a bit intense! The rest of our exploring didn’t turn up anything noteworthy, so we went back to our room.
Meagan wears: Wild Child City Textured Daisy Dress
I could not be more stoked about the amount of bubbles in this bath
Do you know what happens when you add a little bit of Lush’s Rose Jam Shower Gel to your bathtub and then turn on the spa jets? Bubbles happen, lots of bubbles. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bath with this many bubbles in it, it was so cool! The bathtub was enormous – I’m pretty sure it could fit two people in it – and I really want one at home. Seriously, so nice – and then I slept like a baby!
DAY THREE:
Mt Ruapehu
After breakfast we drove up the mountain. I used to ski up here when I was younger, but had never really taken time to appreciate the view. There’s obviously a lot more snow during ski season (we’re just coming into summer here in New Zealand, so not much snow about)!
My new Kia Cerato – the perfect car to take us on our adventures!
We took my new Kia Cerato (inherited from my mother when she moved overseas) on the trip. I really want to give it a name, but all of the ones I’ve come up with so far just don’t seem to work! If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know! And if anyone wants to buy Flick, my trusty red Toyota Corolla RUNX, then please get in touch *shameless promotion*
Mt Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom)
We spent lots of time taking photos of pretty things, did a photo shoot (more on that later in the week) and climbed about a bit. If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, then you might recognise Mount Doom in the above photo – it’s actually called Mt Ngauruhoe, and it’s an active volcano. When I imagine a volcano in my head, this is what I imagine (although with more fire and lava, and less snow).
Had to have a couples selfie on Mt Ruapehu!
Sadly our trip had to come to an end – we headed home a slightly different (and much shorter) way, and stopped at Five Mile Bay in Taupo for a swim. It was way too cold, and if you follow me on Instagram then you’ll already know that I chickened out because the lake was way too cold! Perhaps when we are down there at the end of the month…
Five Mile Bay in Taupo, looking back at Mt Ruapehu
My trusty Kia Cerato, chilling out under the trees at Five Mile Bay
We didn’t have many other stops after Five Mile Bay – I was pretty keen to get home after a long day (with a lot more driving before we got back to Auckland). It was a great adventure, and one I’m definitely keen to undertake again because there is always something new to discover! Have you been on any roadtrips recently?
Let me know what your ultimate roadtrip would be, maybe it will help me plan my next roadie!
xo Meagan
We just HAD to stop at BP to get a Fruju Tropical Snow – bring on summer!
Looking back at Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu
Photos by Meagan Kerr and Doug Peters
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