Relaxing in River Valley

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On January 31st we stopped overnight in River Valley. This place was pretty much a disapointment since the only reason the bus stops there is so that people can go whitewater rafting but because the river was so low, there was no rafting to be done. So we pretty much just stayed in a lodge and sat around and did nothing for a day. The highlight of the stop was the farm roast dinner which was roast pork, yorkshire pudding, and a ton of veggies. We left there around noon today to drive to Wellington. Other than that, there isn't much to report.

On the way to River Valley though we did stop in the Tongariro National park and went on a couple of short walks to a couple of nice waterfalls. We took some stunning pictures and watched some people jump off the top of a waterfall for fun. One of the waterfalls was also used in Lord of the Rings when Gollum caught the fish.

Well, there isn't anything else to add for that leg of the journey so take care! Pictures will be coming soon.

-Carole & Lindsay

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Photos

Taranaki Falls
Along the 2 hour walk we stopped to do on the way to River Valley

Taranaki Falls Walk
Carole taking a break

A bridge
One of the many bridges we crossed on our walk...

Tawhei Falls
The second waterfall we visited on the way to River Valley that many people decided to jump off of. It was apparently also the waterfall from the LOTR movie where Gollum catches some fish.

Tawhei Falls
Carole sitting

Tawhei Falls
Lindsay sitting

Kiwi Experience bus
It couldn't make it down the narrow windy road to where we stayed.

The river
Unfortunately not high enough to go rafting on

Flowers
And a bee

The River Valley sign
Carole quite ecstatic at finding the sign

Weird flowers
No bee in this one