Inspire

During the Term 1 holidays, my family travelled to New Zealand. During our trip, we had planned to do the Tongariro Alpine crossing, one of the world’s best walks. However, on the day we had planned to do this, the Department of Conservation shared it was not recommended due to 80km winds, 20m visibility and -1c degrees at the highest point. My family and I were extremely disappointed. 

We decided to do a walk which was recommended if the Alpine crossing walk is not recommended. This walk was called Tama lakes. Tama lakes is situated in Tongariro National Park - a 18km return walk, took roughly 5 hours and had 65km winds at the highest point. The highlights of this walk include: Lower Tama Lake, located at 1,240 metres, offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, Upper Tama Lake, situated at 1,440 metres, with an extremely steep climb from the lower lake and Taranaki Falls, a picturesque waterfall near the trailhead. Ten thousand years ago there was a lot of spectacular activity in what is now Tongariro National Park, and the craters in this area were very active and powerful. There is some evidence of impressive fire fountaining (welded rocks) and volcanic debris was thrown up to three kilometres from the vents. This could still happen anywhere in the park during an eruption. Volcanic debris can still be seen all around the lakes. The vents blasted through older lavas – some up to 275,000 years old – and you can see portions of these old rocks in the cliffs around Lower Tama Lake. They are the oldest rocks visible on the active volcanos. Over time, water seeped into three of the craters and, with no easy escape route, formed two cold, freshwater lakes. The lakes remain clean, clear and pest-free. Upper Tama Lake has its own native liverwort found nowhere else in the North Island.

This walk was such a rewarding experience, and I am so grateful we got to do this. New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, including its mountains, oceans and forests, can feel deeply spiritual and are often seen as a reflection of God’s handywork. Many verses about God’s creation resonate powerfully with the natural beauty of Aotearoa. In Psalm chapter 121: 1-2, it says,

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

New Zealand's volcanic peaks mirror this reminder of God's presence and strength. 

Heavenly Father,

We give thanks for the sacred land of New Zealand. For the snow-capped mountains, ancient forests and winds that whisper across the land.

Thank you for the fire that once shaped Tongariro and Ruapehu, for the turquoise waters of Tama Lakes, for the rare life that clings to rocky cliffs and alpine streams, and for the wild, living spirit of the land.

Help us to be guardians of Your creation, to walk lightly on the earth, to protect the purity of the waters, and to treasure every birdcall, every breath of native bush.

Amen.

Submitted by Brigette Maglio