It's hard to imagine, let alone take a picture of, a lake the size of Singapore but that is exactly whereTaupo sits - next to Lake Taupo. Swimming in the fresh unsalted water was and pretty cold but when it's 30 degrees it's pretty refreshing. I bumped into Philip (Sweden), who was a drinking partner from Byron Bay in Australia, at the hostel - ah the beauty of traveling! Moving on thousands of kilometres and meeting up by coincidence -you just can't plan a better surprise!

The Tongariro Crossing is one of New Zealands best day treks. A bus connection from Taupo at 05.50 ensures the commencement of the walk at 07.15! The brief before starting this trek stresses the importance of being at certain landmarks by certain times in order to complete the crossing and catch the returning buses in the afternoon. Otherwise Search and Rescue will be called at the travelers expense! The crossing provides an opportunity to experience some of the most scenic and active volcanic areas of the Tongariro National Park. Timed at 7-8 hours walking 18.5 kilometres one way. We completed it in about 6 hours and that was with stopping for those Kodak moments taking in the emerald lakes, blue lake and craters.

I was talking to a Mauri bouncer at a bar who said this of Rotorua - "it's the only place where you can fart and no one will notice" so I figured it would be my kind of place! (All that culture reduced to a fart joke) There is plenty of volcanic actively to be witnessed at the "Thermal Wonderland" showcasing natures most amazing colours combined with that "rotten egg smell". It's times like these that I find myself taking pictures of mud pools - like I would do this at home!!

I also went on a night of Mauri Village experience eating food prepared in an earth oven. The Mauri Haka dance (as adopted by The New Zealand All Blacks Ruby Team) was a highlight as well as some of there songs and music in their native tongue. However, sometimes whilst travelling you are made to feel "a complete tourist." This was one of those times with people who seem to be not phyically able to walk two steps without filming it with a video camera! I just wanted to shake these challenged individuals - enjoy the moment for what it is!!

Liquid sunshine fell for the next few days whilst I was at Mt Maunganui and Coromandel - both top holiday destinations for kiwis which normally recieve lots of sun!! I got stranded for a few hours in Thames with Monika - lets just say there isn't alot there! Thanks to Monika, Majet and Silivia for providing amusement and partaking in the drinking of the Country Wine through this period! LOL The hot water beach was very amusing too. I remember standing on the beach laughing at these people covered in sand wondering what the point was to sitting in a self dug hole - a few minutes later I was joining in!!