Activity central for the North Island!!!

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We arrived into Taupo mid afternoon, firstly visiting the Huka falls then going on to the Taupo airfield so that Sam could do a sky dive. It was a really sunny day which is the best for doing a sky dive and at around 4 pm the plane took off with him completely kitted out in jumpsuit, goggles and harness. Laura was too scared by the idea of throwing yourself out of a plane...crazy! Sam thought it was the best experience ever and says, 'Do one!'
That night we had a big night out with everyone on the bus which was full of fun and frollocks. We started with a pub quiz, which we sucked at, finishing with distictly average mark like 24/50. Our bus driver then took us on to some cheesy night club where we danced to mega cheese until the early hours and did a bit of tequila.
The following day was spent doing not much at all apart from washing and eating..very productive. It was early to bed in preparation for the Tongariro crossing (a 16km walk) After rising at 5.40 we arrived at the park to be met by miserable wet weather and the spectacular views, nothing but cloud. Laura decided this was a bad day to walk but Sam (having woken up early) decided to power on and did the walk in 7 hours whilst Laura spent the day eating and soaking in the hot springs.
Friday morning was going to be Laura's attempt at the crossing, however there was a slight problem with a broken alarm and not getting up on time. This lead to bullying Laura into doing a sky dive by Sam and two other girls...crazy! Pure terror and extreme excitement is the only way to describe it. That night we had nutritous Pizza Hut for dinner which was extremely exciting as they messed up and we got a free pizza..yay! Another big night followed with all the guys from the bus and some local residence of Urban Retreat. Not fun getting up the next day to catch the bus.
On the Saturday we travelled miles on the bus to get to the most remote place called River Valley Lodge, the roads were really windy and every now and then we met a random sheep. We spent the evening by the river, eating a roast which was amazing (first since we've been away) and playing games. It was really fun and everyone ached a bit the following morning. Laura went on a horse trek at 10 the next day so it wasn't to early a start which was really good. The aches the following morning were not so good though.

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Photos

Sam's Skydive
This was the craziest thing I've ever done, no doubt.

Pure terror
I did not want to jump but had no choice!

Check out the views
Started to enjoy it once i could open my eyes.

Rabbit shearing
Forgot to mention this but it looks soo cruel and the rabbits are the cutest, I'm buying one when I'm home.

Bus driver and co
The guy in the middle is Pumba our driver...ledge!

Tongariro crossing
One of the only good views of the day.

Twister
Self-explanatory

Gipsy and me
My lovely horse Gipsy at the top of the hill at River Valley

Comments

[Rod Grinsted]

Wicked
Now that's more like it......real extreme stuff....especially twister!! Can't wait to hear that Sam has done a bungee jump.

[Karen]

what an experrience!!!!!!!!
Hi, Just looked at your latest pictures, rather you than me jumping out of the plane! How you can class that as an exhilarating experience I will never know, (sheer terror seems to come to mind!) Sam saw the photo of big Sam jumping out of the plane and was convinced it was you and Laura, you have obviously chaged quite a bit in appearance since you left home. Take care X

[louey]

wowser!!
heya lovelies! forgot about your blog but have just caught up to date on all your adventures. love the pictures especially keeping cool in the skydiving one lau!haha!you both are glowing,love catching up with you!speak soon, miss you.kissesx