When we arrived in Taupo Sue took us to the Hukka Falls which was very different to the other falls we've seen. This is a long stretch of rapids and then the water drops in the falls. There was a boat approaching from the falls end which reminded me of 'Maid of the Mist' in Niagara falls.
5 of us then decided to take the 2 hour walk from the falls along the river and back into Taupo. Half way along there was thermal springs so we took our shoes and socks off and went for a paddle in the 'boiling' hot water. Ali and Neil had brought their swimwear and were able to sit under the small water falls of steaming water.
It was a long walk back into Taupo but as we came around the corner the view was breathtaking - Taupo lake is massive - it's as wide and long as the eye can see and it's set with a backdrop of snowcapped mountains - simply awesome (again)
After an icecream, Jenny and I caught a taxi to Debretts spa where we bathed in the hot mineral pools and then had a full body massage.
Sue picked us up at 4.15 and then it was a long drive to the ski lodge at Whakapapa (fackapapa) where we're staying for 2 nights. It's in the mountains and the drop in temperature significant - it's bizarre this afternoon we were bathing in the sun and now it's wrapping up warm with hats and gloves to keep warm. Saying that thought the lodge is well heated and well equipped for all the skiing and snowboarding if it takes your fancy.
The 'Takahe' team cooked tea tonight - they served up salad nicoise followed by spaghettis bolognese. We were well impressed as the kitchen here is tiny and is used by all those staying here - for once we were in the kitchen before the Japapese!.
Today is Saturday and we were up early ready to catch the shuttle bus to the mountain ski place. I put on as many layers as I could and the New Zealand beanie hat that I bought yesterday and we all huddled into the mini bus. I had thought about taking the beginners skiing lesson but by the time I hired the clothing and paid for the shuttle bus and the lesson it was well over 100 pound so we decided to take the scenic pass and just take a look at the mountains from the top. Anyway we arrived there and it was 1 degrees up there so blooming cold, bought some extra gloves as my driving gloves really didn't do the job and then discovered that the Scenic lift wasn't running due to weather conditions.
It was still spectacular to see the mountains that close but the weather started to close in so Jenny and I consoled ourselves with a cup of hot chocolate and then caught the shuttle back to the lodge. Hence this is why you have an early update and more photos.
We'll see if the weather lifts this afternoon and will go for a walk if it does.
All for now
Sue.xxx
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