Arrived early afternoon amid a Thunderstorm, first bad weather of our trip so took slow drive around the north of the lake, how lovely it looked even in the rain. It is New Zealand's largest lake; created from a volcanic crater, 29 miles from north to south and almost 700 ft. deep in parts.

The next morning we had a jet boat ride booked along by the Huka falls (Taupo Lake empties into the river Waikato via the Huka falls) - it was everything it claimed to be, a real adrenaline ride! Later we visited the falls from above at a few observations sites, the water is so clear and that wonderful aquamarine colour.

Nearby was a prawn attraction park and NO we didn't visit but Tom did have a blast at the 'Prawn Golf Range' whacking balls into the reservoirs - and the boy did well so thankfully no Toms Tourette's!

We then visited the "Craters of the Moon", crazy place with steam pockets all over the place and boiling mud pools.

Decided to end the day with a bike ride around the north side of the lake. It was very hot but managed to get to the headland, Wherewaka point which was a good consolation as views stunning. Stopped at a lovely and somewhat bohemian bar on the water, as you would expect we had a light liquid refreshment, followed by a swift one in the harbour before returning to the campsite. Great to be on the bikes but missed our gel seats!!

Tom cooked up a fab BBQ in the evening, started outside but had to finished in the van as a few spits of rain turned into a full blown downpour!!. Have to say that these campsites are very impressive, very clean, well equipped with really good facilities and even the BBQ's are pristine.