It was this []big….. Checked out of the Terraces. $6 bar bill for 2 mint teas. How times have changed eh? We got barred for being too rock'n' roll. Drove into the retail wonderland of Taupo. A-lo bought some tops and shorts then we paused for brunch at one of the cooler looking cafes.Nice and sunny, but still no Alpine Crossing. As Turangi calls itself the trout capital of the world, it seemed appropriate to give it a go….Annelise dropped me off back a...

Nature's Jacuzzi Checked out of Moselle and headed up the Waikato River on the 5. For a change, we arrived at the activity with time to spare…boarded a jet boat and cruised downstream. Passed through non-native pine forests being cleared for dairy farming. Stopped at the site of a famous Maori battle in1841: the attackers had entered a cave to rest before battle, and the defending tribe set alight all the surrounding vegetation. Apparently they are a peace l...

i-site marathon Called Kerry back home to wish her Happy 40th! After a leisurely breakfast we checked out of Tui and checked in to the i-site (information centre). The most helpful Rhonda advised and booked us up on some river trips, geothermal experiences, fishing, accommodation and walking. Left at lunchtime and drove into Taupo. The magnitude of the lake soon became apparent - more of an inland sea. One could only speculate at the force of the explosion...

Rain and crossing the sound 25mm to 50mm forecast and it didn't disappoint. Had substantial brekkie with Scottish hosts, packed and headed back to Picton to catch the ferry to Wellington. Driving up to Turangi in the evening.... Queued up in solid rain for the ferry. Watched in amusement as 2 sodden cycle tourists circled around trying to find their ferry access point. Initially we took pity on the girlfriend, but gradually realized the dorky boyfriend deserv...

Queen Charlotte Track Bid farewell to another couple of great hosts: Brian and Lesley waved us off like we were family. Drove 20 mins down the 6 to Picton, ferry port for departures to Wellington and the gateway to Queen Charlotte Sound. This area of land is like a crazy omelette with the dips filled with sea to depth of 40m, the hills covered with lush rainforest and almost completely devoid of human interference. This looked a great opportunity to tramp so w...