Our last loop on the North Island

 Happy Fall Friends!

We finished off our tour of the NZ North Island with some fabulous sights and experiences in the famous Taupo region.  Here the landscape has been shaped by massive volcanoes and remains geothermally active.  Lake Taupo is a massive caldera (a sunken crater) of the Taupo Volcano and it covers 238 square miles with water at a depth of 610 feet.  This beautiful lake was created when Taupo Volcano erupted 27,000 years ago with an explosion so massive that records indicate it turned the skies of Rome and China red.  Evidence that the volcano is still heating can be seen along the lake as numerous hot water springs flow into the lake. 

Lake Taupo looking south to the snow capped mountains of the Whakapapa Ski Area

Maori warrior carving on Lake Taupo

NZ's longest river, the mighty Waikato flows from Lake Taupo.  But before it spreads out into a wide meandering river, it is forced through a rock canyon creating Huka Falls.  So much water flows over the falls that it could fill 5 Olympic sized swimming pools every minute.

Crystal clear up stream of the canyon, the river churns into turquoise 

Beautifully fast and furious

Sometimes we have to share the funny things we find.  This bus stopped to pick up a woman's white husky for his time at doggy care.  When the door opened we could see wagging tails and barking dogs excitedly greet their latest buddy onto the bus!

Doggy daycare taken up a level!

Heading south to the mountains, we explored Turangi for a few days.  Located on the Tongariro River, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to do a White Water Rafting trip on this pristine river which has class 3 rapids.  We were in search of the very rare Blue Ducks which are endangered and live only on fast flowing mountain rivers.  We opted to take a conservation rafting trip which meant we left early in the morning to check pest traps along the river and a portion of the trip fees go to the conservation of these special birds.  This company has been very successful in nurturing the blue duck population along this stretch of the river from 30 pairs to 400 pairs.  Besides doing something good and spotting a dozen blue ducks,  we had such a blast on this rafting trip.  Our guides were funny and amazingly skilled.  To quote Dan, "The trip was a kick in the pants!"

Leaving before sun up
 

Class three rapids for miles and miles

No one comes away dry on these trips!

Thanks to Guides Ian & Dan for a never forget EPIC adventure!!

Firmly back on dry ground, we headed closer to the snow capped mountains of Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngauruhoe.  We took advantage of a glorious sunny day to tramp the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing track for a few hours.  Strewn with old lava flows, the landscape and flora is very unique. 

Good footwear is a must on these hikes!

Mount Tongariro is an old volcano which first erupted 275,000 years ago.

So many interesting types of plants grow on this old lava flow

And just like that, we've finished our exploration of the North Island.  Our next travel takes us back to the south island to finish up what we wanted to do prior to COVID closing down the country.  We're bracing for more cold weather as we head to NZ's Southern Alps.  

But before we go, sharing some silly pictures from our second trip through the famous Hamilton Gardens.

Wishing you some silliness and laughter to brighten your day.

Stay Curious!

Cheryl & Dan