Still chasing that sun we headed next for Taupo and its beautiful lake views of the volcanic mountains Tongariro, Ruapheu and Ngauruhoe and apparently one of the greatest one day walks in the world, the Tongariro alpine crossing.

On yet another Naked Bus and what should have been an easy 2 hr ride into Taupo turns into a drama when a young guy starts having an epileptic fit during the journey. S is fantastic in reassuring him until the ambulance arrives... She's a smiley star that would make anyone feel better.

So after the delay we arrive in Taupo and with limited time before we continue heading north we spend our one full day doing a 4hr return walk to the Huka Falls, which is on the longest river in NZ called the Waikato starting at Lake Taupo and ending in Auckland. It's lush greenery and cool waters makes for an easy trek. On route is a natural hot springs, lots of people having a soak but we stick to dipping our toes in only.