Another beautiful summer Sunday morning. Far too precious to waste so headed off to Sanctuary Mountain at Maungatautari. “This is an ancient vibrant, pest free forest, alive with native wildlife such as birds, skinks, geckos, frogs, bats and insects” I read on the brochure.

A 47 km pest proof fence encircles this acreage, protecting the many rare and endangered flora and fauna. It is divided into two sections. One is the Te Tui a Tane southern enclosure and the second is Tautari wetland and tuatarum. The visitor centre onsite provides tickets, information etc.

Nervousness in case I missed the shuttle to the start of the Tongariro Crossing had me checking the clock every hour on the hour. I gratefully leapt out of my little bunk bed at 5.45 a.m, hurrying into my hiking gear, knowing my adventure was starting. This was the day the 19 km Tongariro Crossing was to be conquered again.