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 loving race….

Stopped at Orakei Korako aka The Hidden Valley . Saw the full range of geothermal features: silica trails, earthquake faults, bubbling mud, clear blue steaming pools and geysers. Lots of steam rising from pits in the ground, bubbling sounds coming from the bush and foul sulfur smells. Apparently being a Maori near here pre-settlers was cushy: free central heating, food cooked without needing a fire and lots spas, exfoliating pumice stone and mud baths for the ladies.

Nerd fact: the Waikato river has several hydro-electric power stations which supply 60% of the North Islands electricity.

Adam the driver turned it up a notch on the return journey with lots of 360s and obligatory full throttle as close to the bank as possible.1,000 fleeing ducks later we finished. Adam took group pictures with everyone's camera. Annelise pulled faces for everyone else's pictures and thought herself so funny she had a marathon fit of giggles.

Dined at the local Huka vineyard. Not sure if wine produced here as the vines were badly in need of a trim, but food turned out ok. For afters we found a very cool café in Acacia Bay called L'arte (geddit) which had some great sculptures, mosaics (Gaudi style living room), pictures and nutty nut slice. There's never a place like this at home when one needs some props for the garden.

Checked in to the Terraces Hotel back in Taupo. After home-stay B&B's so far, this was our first hotel stay, but yet another room with a view…. Lovely old colonial style up the hill. It claimed to be a heritage hotel and hence didn't bother with a lift….

Editor'snote: Thanks for all the messages on the message board. LEave us a note ifyou want to get in touch! Nige