04Dec - 16th Dec Now in Taupo, walked the Waikato river to Hukka falls via a hot water area temps go from 40c+ too much for me to bathe in.. Mark braved it see photo Tongario Crossing Large volcanic area, 17km 7-8hrs Hard tramping didn't we know it!! first Volacano reached by the devilsteps mmh now we know why!! onward upward to the red crater 1866mtrs Red Lava and low cloud made this place seem like the moon, on our way down to the Emerald Lakes not easy descent very dodgy under foot. Happy to see the bus home... Weather lifts 8-12-05 Sky Jump is a GO!!! see photo's not 12,000ft but 15,000ft legal limit for tandem dive. out of the plane I can see Mountain tops Volcano's we were at yesterday, lakes and thermal all around us the chute opens at 5,000ft and we glide to a safe landing... Onto Ocean Beach via Napier and Hastings didnt want the hub bub of the cities found a lovely lonely beach there for 3 days enjoying some sun and quiet. off to Ruahine Range. stayed by a river again on our own getting used to this solitude!! bathing in the river cold but lovely if you are into this sort of thing!! Makarara River - Otaki little down town campsite but needed to dry out (weather wise) for a few days!! Tararua Forest 2 nights in DOC site very basic but nice, tramped 3 routes varying from 3-5hrs ( see photo's) Cape Palliser. Fur Seal Colony, Camped on beach front with seals as neighbours they are everywhere on the Rocks on the beach in the grass, walked the 258 steps to the lighthouse and enjoyed evening meal with the local tribe, Wellington In nice camp site awaitning the ferry to South Island 18th Dec. See you all in New Year!!!