Blogs from Taupo, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 9

Don't know where Ohakune came from - we're in Wairakei! Got up this morning in Whangamata and it was still raining. Nevertheless,we made use of the hot tub on the (covered) balcony - I felt a bit "Essex"! Then we went to St. Joseph's in Waihi - still raining! Had breakfast and walked around the disused open-cast goldmine (in the rain - as you will see from the pics!). Saw some intersting birds. Then we headed for Taupo via Tauringa and Rotorua - didn't notice the sulphur smell! The Wairekai Resort where we are staying is pretty extensive with a 9 hole golf course,gym,squash court,pool, geothermal spa waters - so we had our 2nd "hot tub" experience of the day (or ever,for me!) A few things planned for tomorrow: Huka Falls,Craters of the Moon,Maori experience. To ... read more

Went white water rafting on the Tongariro river this morning which was brilliant, we rafted 14km and 52 rapids.. and all without falling in the water. Then headed to Taupo to have a look around. The weather has completely changed – now blue sky and sunshine, some clouds in the sky, but feeling a lot warmer. We went out on a sailing boat across Lake Taupo which was good and saw the Maori carvings (see photo). Becoming amused by the NZ tendancy to add the word 'eh' to the end of sentences!! F... read more

I arrived from Tongariro in Taupo after a really miserable bout of bad weather. Unfortunately, the bad weather seemed to follow us from Tongariro. We decide to put up in Rainbow Lodge instead of the much recommended (and top BBH rated), Blackcurrant Backpackers because it was a tad bit more pricey ($21 versus $24) and we thought it would not make too much a difference. Unfortunately, I felt Rainbow Lodge to be too large and a bit too busy for my liking. There are always people everywhere, lounge, TV room, kitchen, garden, etc. I did not think I ever had a quiet moment there. I think I prefer much smaller and more homey backpackers like Juno Hall and Colville Farm. With so many people, you have to jostle to use sinks, stoves, kitchen utensils and even ... read more

My last day in Auckland was spent visiting Waiheke island, doing a little walk before sampling some of the local fine wines. What a lovely way to spend the day. On Thursday I joined the stray bus south from Auckland & went to Hahei & visited Cathedral cove, a beautiful beach before having a BBQ with my fellow stray mates. On Friday we went to Raglan & saw Bridal veil falls & the surf breaking on the beach before heading to Waitomo caves yesterday where I went caving. This involved 3 abseils, the last 2 over waterfalls & crawling through small spaces & a bit of rock climbing. Great fun. We stayed the night in Maketu, where we had a traditional meal & the boys put on a superb performance of the Haka &the girls tried ... read more

Well what a weekend to be in NZ!!! After a full week in Auckland (probably a little long in a city for this country girl but absolutely worth it for the way it ended!) I topped it off with a trip to Eden Park for the bronze final of the rugby (couldn't afford the $900-plus for the actual final!). The match didn't disappoint - aside from the end result - but the atmosphere was amazing, the weather was perfect and I got some good photos to boot! The scariest moment was soon after kick-off when Shane Williams (my favourite!) was nearly split in half by a crushing tackle. The man must be made of steel to have recovered, but recover he did to score Wales' first try! Just a shame, especially after the final 5 minutes ... read more