I still have a few aches and pains in my legs so today I'm taking it easier with just a couple of hours walking to Huka Falls. The falls mark the spot where NZ longest river, the Waikato is slammed into a narrow chasm, making a dramatic 10m drop into a surging pool. The Maori call the full force of torrent Hukanui, great body of spray.. The Waikato originates from Lake Taupo and finishes just south of Auckland. On the walk back from the falls I walk past a bu...

I caught the bus to Taupo this afternoon. I sat next to a nice young man of 80 and had a good conversation with him. He had been a coronary care nurse. We spent a lot of time talking about sport. In the past he had visited Lord's and Wembley. He kept saying how good the Kiwi's are at cricket and rugby and watch out for them in the World Cup in October. A nice old chap. When I reached Taupo it was very cold and windy. I walked down to the lake there was snow on t...