mrsjono

Last day in Taupo before heading our way back. This time we could drive to Huka Falls! Weather wasn't good that day with showers and no one was interested in the Aratiatia Rapids so we went to Huka Honey Hive and Taupo Bungy but no one was jumping though.





Cliff hanging


We stayed for two nights in this three storey apartment at Norman Smith St managed by Bachcare. There is a heat pump on the top floor only and the other floors rely on panel heaters. I asked the holiday manager for spare heaters as the rooms were quite cold but she couldn't offer me any.


Dining area was too small


Kitchen and living areas are on the top floor


Thai takeaway for dinner as it was raining and cold and we didn't feel like cooking that night.



Managed to catch a glimpse of the snowcapped Ruapehu on the long drive back to Wellington. Stopped at Taihape for lunch and stayed the night at Waikanae. I went to work the next day while Rui brought them to the beach and detoured home to pick up the boxes of honey.


I joined them for lunch at Little Hanoi and went back to work while Rui took them to


Cuba St,


Oriental Bay,


Mt Vic,


and Evans Parade in the afternoon.


Last dinner at Kazu


Final photo at the airport with Smaug. Goodbye and thanks for visiting! Cya back in Singapore in a few months time~

Geothermal experience continues at Waiotapu famous for its colourful thermal pools, geysers, bubbling mud and sinter terrace formations. I remember my friend told us about a geyser being set off artificially and sure enough the first thing we saw was a man greeting the audience with kia ora! and adding something into the Lady Knox Geyser to make it erupt. Other than this tacky introduction and the overcast weather, I had no complaints about the rest of the attraction.


Lady Knox Geyser before being induced


Artist's Palette



Alum Cliffs




Ngakoro Lake?


Crossing the sinter terrace on the boardwalk


Layers of sinter are formed over time when hot springs overflow


Champagne Pool




It was freezing cold and drizzling that day everyone was covering up in gloves and beanies


Devil's Bath


End of thermal wonderland - off to Taupo!

Checked out The Landing in the morning. Lake Tarawera was very calm and peaceful, the swans and ducks were floating quietly towards us. The silhouette and reflections of the black swans on the tranquil waters were stunningly beautiful.





Lake Tarawera


Stopped by a lookout at the junction of Temu Road and Tarawera Road


On the way to the Blue & Green Lakes, we passed the Te Wairoa car park and decided to check out what's on the information panels. This was the start of the Tarawera Trail which goes to Hot Water Beach, about 5-6 hours one way.


Let's try the 5-10 mins walk to the bridge and lookout


It turns out there was a bit of an incline to the Te Wairoa Valley lookout and we weren't sure if the view was worth it so we turned around and left lol


Blue Lake


Green Lake


Lake Rotorua


Checking out the steam


Te Papaiouru Marae in Ohinemutu


Government Gardens


Going for another dip again at Kuirau Park