Thanks for the video, I lived on lake Taupo as a child, Ski when I was 5 yrs old, I never knew how amazing the mountain looks without snow. I will visit this place soon due to your video.
I truly hope Aotearoa New Zealand treats you well. Welcome and enjoy. I walked to the Crater lake in the early 90's among an easy 200 plus people and with about 8 friends. I remember being a tad embarrassed as was not able to keep up with my friends but did the best I could. When I reached the top I then realised I had left all my friends behind and lost them in the crowd and was at the top for some time waiting for them all. What a laugh.
Haven't been up to whakapapa since mid 90s. Currently living in Oz but my parents live in national park township. Going home as soon as the borders open