mrsjono

A few weeks before Christmas, events such as Santa parades take place across the country every year. They are organised by the local communities, businesses and kind sponsors. We've never been to one before and decided to check out the one in town this year. Floats, mascots, trucks, bands and dancers would parade down the main street and volunteers would hand out flyers and lollies to visitors. It was a funny sight watching kids pass the flyers to their parents and keep the lollies for themselves!



One boy wasn't impressed though






Boys standing by the side came prepared with plastic bags to collect lollies


"Can I have a hug from Elmo too?"


The finale is of course Santa in his sledge

The clouds were setting in so we made a move and returned the same way back to Karori.

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!