Taupo, Waikato, New ZealandRuakuri Scenic Reserve is just outside of Waitomo. Stopped to do the walk (see previous entry). About two-hour drive from Waitomo to Taupo.
LAKE TAUPO TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK campground - 2 nights
Sightseeing along Lake Taupo--great views. Inquired about the world famous Trout fishing here. Because of the high winds, several guides advised against going.
3-15: Tongariro National Park. About 1.5 hours drive south from Lake Taupo.
Clouds did not cooperative as we drove along Lake Rotoaira. No good views of the park's volcanic peaks. All kinds of papas grass plumes and heather. Beautiful when sun was shining on the tall plumes.
Clouds did not cooperative as we drove along Lake Rotoaira. No good views of the park's volcanic peaks. All kinds of papas grass plumes and heather. Beautiful when sun was shining on the tall plumes.
Whakapapa Visitor's Center: Maori wall hangings. Nice picture of Lake Rotoaira -Mountt Pihanga showing us what it should look like.
42 degrees, raining, cloudy (at noon). Couldn't see the mountain at all.
Not taking the walks. See what we can see driving.
The park is the site of Mordor and Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
42 degrees, raining, cloudy (at noon). Couldn't see the mountain at all.
Not taking the walks. See what we can see driving.
The park is the site of Mordor and Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
Back to campground, which has hot water springs pool.
Perfect for this weather. Spent about two hours - heaven!
Perfect for this weather. Spent about two hours - heaven!
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3-16: Huka Falls on Waikato River
Powerful amount of water with all this rain. Various view platforms along the river.
Source of hydroelectric power. Impressive spot.
Powerful amount of water with all this rain. Various view platforms along the river.
Source of hydroelectric power. Impressive spot.
Craters of the Moon: Steam vents everywhere; definitely looked like its name.
Walked to the top of the ridge. Weird seeing palm trees on the other side.
OK place, nothing special. Walk to the scenic overlook was worth doing.
Walked to the top of the ridge. Weird seeing palm trees on the other side.
OK place, nothing special. Walk to the scenic overlook was worth doing.
2025-05-22