Taupo

Tongariro Crossing
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We arrived into Taupo with our rented car on empty for the past 100 and so kilometres (very economical). After much needed petrol we drove out to Taupo Airport as we where booked in for a 15.10 sky dive. With the rain lashing down and dark clouds above it was pretty certain there wouldn't be any sky dives today. I have to say I was very relieved. I'm still not sure if I want to do one :o)

After finding and checking into our hostel we decided to hit the Aquatic Spa & Fitness Center. Very impressive building and setup for all ages.

Taupo - home to the world's largest crater lake..

Tongariro Crossing
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The weather has been pretty bad the last while around this area. With tomorrow looking the best day out of the next few we decided to do the Tongariro Crossing tomorrow rather than wait. An early start was on the cards so we had a chilled night.

Tongariro Crossing is rated as New Zealand's finest one day trek. After myself, Kev & Barbara trekked it (our longest one to date at 17km, approx 6-8 hours it takes) we can definitely see why. Amazing landscape combining volcanoes, mountains and national parks. It was pretty tough in some parts (steep inclines taking about an hour) but at the end very rewarding. It took us about 5.30 hours. The weather turned out to be perfect; which was a very good thing considering our 'walking shoes' and hiking 'gear' :o) They highly recommend proper trekking gear for this one as the weather can change rapidly. Overall, an excellent trek well worth doing.

Tongariro Crossing
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We had checked out of our hostel in Taupo on leaving for the trek; the reason being we where unsure how tired we would be afterwards. Wakapapa (the gateway to the National Park) is approx 100km from Taupo. Babs wasn't too tired so we decided to head back to Taupo and spend the night there. Nice idea! We got a surprise big time. Taupo is full of hostels, motels and hotels. Do you think we could find a room? Nope. There's power boating on the Great Lake this weekend (also a long weekend in NZ). After alot of driving around and phone calls we resorted to Plan B. We drove another 80km or so to Rotorua after confirming some accommodation there. Unfortunately in a rush to get there we missed out on some sights around Taupo for example Huka Falls so that was a shame. What a long day. Up at 6am, driving, 17km trek, more driving. Hard work :o)