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Published: August 17th 2007
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Escaping the bad tempered school children that surrounded the Lady Knox Geyser, we jumped back on the bus and journeyed on towards Taupo. On route we stopped at a Rope park which consisted of various circus style rope swings including a 15 meter free-falling rope swing. Standing at the top of this swing preparing myself for the jump I could not help but think of the forthcoming 135 meter bungee jump of Queenstown that I had committed myself to doing! From just 15 meters, my legs were shaking and I couldn’t help but feel a bit stupid for my fear. I gathered my courage and jumped and my fear proved to be not entirely misplaced as the harness did its job in a most unfriendly manner. I would say that these particular harnesses must have been designed by a women and she was definitely a pissed off, man-hating lesbian. Chris I think it is down to you to carry on the family name as I am fairly sure I don’t work too well anymore. Despite the pain, the park was good fun and the prices were even better. Feeling tender, I swallowed hard, fought back the urge to be sick and
Riding high; Me and my jeans!
I think they call this a wedgy! hopped/waddled back onto the bus anticipating a relaxing time in the spa pool provided by my hostel in Taupo.
I had decided to stay an extra night in Taupo and do the much talked about Tangoriro Crossing the following day. I was told that this 8 hour trek was a grueling adventure across breath-taking wilderness, up the steep slopes of Mount Cook to the lip of its volcanic crater. Sounds good to me. My German friend Laura had also decided to stay so we spent the night preparing for the following days adventure. However, to our disappointment, the walk was cancelled due to bad weather and we were left with an extra day to fill in the beautiful Taupo. Not wanting to sit around feeling sorry for ourselves, we organised a walk to the Huka falls, a waterfall that we had passed by on the bus route.
We began by visiting the enormous Lake Taupo which i'm told is bigger than the whole of Singapore. However having never been to Singapore, I don’t really know how big that is so the comparison was lost on me. Regardless, looking out over the lake, I felt like I was gazing
across a never ending ocean. The far side of the lake was lost to the horizon and waves crashed against the shore. Laura was dressed in her fully wind and water proof jacket and trousers combo while I was predictably dressed in a cotton hoody, jeans and trainers. The rain began to fall as we walked along the bank of the river and I was suddenly relieved that the longer walk had been cancelled. The realisation that I am quite obviously not equipped for such a walk struck me as we hit the crest of the hill that overlooks Taupo. I was dripping wet and about 2 stone heavier due to my newly acquired water suit.
Later on, the rain subsided and the day turned out to be pleasant. Arriving at the mighty Huka Falls we resisted the urge to fall into the usual tourist habit of taking hundreds of photos rather than actually enjoying the surroundings. Looking at the Huka I understood why the bus driver said it was not possible to run a commercial rafting trip on this river. The power of the waterfall was surprising considering its moderate size and rafting down this would be close
to suicide.
We took a slow walk home back along the bank of the river enjoying the cool air and peaceful surroundings. We passed hot springs on the edge of the main body of the river and I once again kicked myself for being so poorly equipped for the walk as I had not brought any swimming shorts. I wanted to just jump in anyway and walk home naked but I don’t think that would have gone down to well with the locals of Taupo, and it might have sent Laura running as well. As I got back to the hostel and lowered myself into the bath like water of the hot spa, I made a mental note to throw off my old habits and make better preparations for my next trips.
The following day, we jumped back on the bus and continued our southward journey passing through glorious mountains and stopping for the perfect photo opportunity of the famous Mount Doom from the Lord of The Rings films. With the sun shining and light fluffy clouds covering the mountains, only the most active imaginations would have been able to conjure up the image of axe wielding Orchs
running down the mountain. The majesty of the scene put us all in good spirits for the onward journey to Wellington.
We arrived shortly before lunch time and I took an immediate liking to the place. We visited the Te Papa Museum and took the parliamentary tour. The Parliament is designed in a very English style and Laura found the traditional wigs comical. Through the eyes of a foreigner I would have to agree but she would not believe me when I told her that the British Parliament is about 100 times more regal and evidently comical. That night I felt an urge to continue with the intake of culture so we purchased tickets to the theatre for the latest show of Fiddler on the Roof. Although I felt out of place with my long curly hair and overgrown stubble in an audience of well dressed and well pampered theatre types, the show was excellent, very funny and well worth a watch.
Having not nearly spent enough time here, we were forced to get back on the bus in order to reach other destinations to our schedule. We hopped on the ferry across to Picton. The Ferry ride
was incredible. Having wasted the first hour asleep in the bar we went to the top deck for some fresh air. We were greeted by the most amazing sight. Green islands were scattered across the clear waters of the crossing and my hangover was instantly cured. Far too soon, we landed on the far shore at picton. At this point Laura went on the train to Christchurch while I hopped on the bus to Greymouth where I was told to expect an enjoyable tour of the Speight’s Beer Brewery. On route we passed through Panakaiki and marveled at the Pancake Rocks. The Brewery tour was predictable but enjoyable as I shared drinks with my fellow travelers.
From Greymouth, we moved south towards my most anticipated part of the trip, Franz Josef.
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