Taupo and the East Coast, NZ

Taupo, an area of thermal activity with the largest lake in New Zealand as its focal point. Similar to Rotorua, Taupo has a lot of volcanic activity with many hot water pools and geysers around the area. Taupo is also renowned for its adventure activities, skydiving, bungy jumping etc... however, having already accomplished both of those before I took off for the day in search for the Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon by foot.

An hour and a half walk took me along the scenic Waikato River with its clear blue water and numerous Pohutakawa trees (NZs Christmas tree with its bright red blossoms that bloom around this time of year) and other native trees. I reached the Huka Falls - a result of ever changing land formation caused by the strong volcanic activity over hundreds of years, where Lake Taupo itself was created from a volcano explosion in the 19th century. No comparison to the waterfalls that I saw in Igussu, SA however, they were pretty impressive in their own right with gallons of water gushing down.

The Craters of the Moon was a geothermal park with many hot steam craters and mud pools. It was interesting to see the result of what is happening underground the earths' crust and the result of New Zealand being situated along 2 tetonic plates.

The next 4 days I embarked on a Kiwi Experience tour called 'East As' which took us along the East Coast of the North Island and eventually took us to the MOST Easternly point of the North Island. We headed through the Lake District area and stopped of at Lake Rotoiti where some of the group had a quick dip. Our overnight stop was in Te Kaha (meaning 'The Strong' in Maori), a cute little homestay where their back garden was the Pacific Ocean. This tour was all about kicking back and relaxing, and so that's exactly what we did, by chilling on the beach and then admiring the sunset over the sea with a glass or 2 of wine - it doesn't get much better than that!

Day 2 took us further down the coast and onto the East Cape, the most Easternly point in NZ, and along with Gisborne is the first place in the world to see daylight each morning. We climbed 567 steps to the top of a small mountain where the Cape lighthouse sits to take in more amazing scenery. For our accommodation that night, we stayed on a farm in the remote area of Rangitukia, where we enjoyed a traditional Maori Hangi for our evening meal.

Napier was our next destination, an art deco town further south along the east coast also situated by the sea. We had various stops along the way, and took a lunch break in Gisborne.

We made our way back to Taupo on the 4th day, but not before travelling around the outskirts of Napier and heading into Hastings, taking in some wine tasting and cheese tasting along the way.

The East Coast is a beautiful area of New Zealand and rich in Maori culture. I always thought the South Island was the better island, but after spending my 1st week in the Coramandel Peninsula, the Bays of Plenty and the East Coast I think it definitely challenges the South Island.

As we are close to Christmas Day, it brings me to wish you all...
Meri Kiritimete me te tou hou
...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Maori. I hope you have a good week of festive celebrations!