Taupo and Mount Tongariro

Lake Taupo is beautiful and a great base to do some crazy adrenaline stuff or just relax. We went for the latter! We had a walk to Hukka Falls, a pretty amazing waterfall where the water is kind of tunnelled then drops about 20 metres. We walked past some natural springs where extremely hot water flowing from a stream meets the much colder river water. Went for a dip... Weird experience as all the hot water rises so your upper body is practically burning, whilst your legs are freezing. Good fun though and lovely to find a natural spring and not just a leisure centre spa!! Also had a relaxing afternoon/evening at Mission Bay by the lake. Very scenic and chilled out.

Next day, We decided after all that relaxing to take on the challenge of 'the best one day walk in New Zealand'. It is called the Mt Tongariro Alpine Crossing and is part of a bigger walk. It was fantastic! Very early start (and late because we over-slept) on to a bus to take us to the start of the walk with loads of other walkers. We walked through volcanic areas, Emerald Lakes, Devils Staircase, Red Crater, Blue Lakes and did a detour to the top of Mt Tongariro for some great views of Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki way in the distance. Photos don't do it justice but check them out anyway.

We also found snow at the top and made a Christmas Message Video for everyone in the UK, so have a look. Merry Christmas!

The walk was very up and down, tough, but well worth it and a great day to see some spectacular parts of New Zealand up close.