Taupo

We woke up ready to set off on what 'could' be our last road trip in NZ

We dropped Totty off to the kennels and then had a smooth drive through to Taupo.

We arrived at the turn for the rapids and drove down which took five minutes and we were far too  so decided to go back to the main road and go to the glass blowing cafe and work shop for a coffee.

After a very nice coffee, date scone and some unexpected but beautiful purchases we left to go back to the rapids.

I really can't believe we have missed this spectacular. Basically it is the diverted Waikato River into a lake which opens the dam gates three times a day in winter and four in summer and allows the water to flow though a gorge with the most spectacular results and all for free. We saw it from the dam road today but hopefully we will watch again tomorrow from the lookout looking back to the dam.

Before we left the dam we enquirer about the boat trip from there to the Huka Falls which we have seen many times but never from the boat. If the weather is good tomorrow we will do this.

We then drove into Taupo and went to the harbour to book our bot trip on the lake - I was classed as a senior with my toy boy!

We had bout half an our o thought we would check in o our hotel! We knew the street but no number and no phone connection so we drove along the lake front looking and oukd not find it so went back to get on our boat tip which turned out to be really good, calm water, tea and coffee and hot baked muffins onboard.

The lake, which is the size of Quatar, where the next World Cup football championships will be held, looks so much bigger when you are on it. Unfortunately, and not unexpected for s with our track record for seeing mountains, the clouds were covering the ski area and the three mountains which are at the south end of the lake but it was still very beautiful and the Maori cliff carvings are vey good.

The lake is the same circumference as the M25 - 185miles. From one bay we were in, to the south is the same distance as Dover to Cailais. And the wAter is so clear and blue.

After our lovely trip and picnic lunch we arrived back in Taupo and set off to find our motel which turned out to be a lovely spot overlooking the lake with a small but hot, 35 degrees pool, AND an honesty bar! Help yourself, write on a pad and they charge your room - impressive!

We went into Taupo and had a walk and picked up a pizza menu for our dinner.

Back to our room I had a nap! It is hard work enjoying yourself!

We ordered our dinner which was very good and the bottle of wine I brought went down well, too.

So tired now I need to sleep ready for lots more fun tomorrow.






WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 15-9 degrees