Taupo

I spent the past weekend in Taupo with a group of friends. Taupo is north of Palmy and is situated on Lake Taupo and surrounded by mountains. We caught a bus in on Friday and set up camp right outside of town. Our campsite sat right on a river. It was very picturesque. There was virtually no one around. So there we were, all 9 of us, with nothing but the river, the woods, and the gorge (although the road was actually a fairly short walk away).

On Saturday I got a little bit adventurous. My flattie, Anke, and I thought it would be a good idea to bungy jump. So we did. Next thing I know I am standing 47 metres above the clearest water I have ever seen clutching poor little Anke as hard as I could to my side, with nothing but my feet attached to the bungy. There was no turning back! A quick wave at the camera and we were free falling through the air. I must say, it was quite a thrill! It was over so quick, though, it is hard to even remember it.

After the bungy Anke and I did a "swing" at the same place. We were placed in a harness and attached by the hip. As they were preparing us we were sitting in the harness like a seat and suspended in the air. They told us to wave at the cameras, so we did, and with no warning they detached us, so once again we were free falling through the air. I am pretty sure my face went from smiling at cameras to complete and utter shock! Once again, the free fall was over so quick.

So after the two adrenaline junkies got their fill, the group moved on. We hiked along the river to Huka Falls. The hike was fairly easy, but the views were spectacular. I have never seen water so blue, and so clear! There really are no words to describe it, and pictures never do it any justice. It was clearer than anything I have see, even in Hawaii. Even in the deepest spots you could see straight to the bottom. And the falls, though short in height, were so powerful looking. Definitely a sight worth seeing.

After taking a dip in the water a little further down the river, we headed back to town for some food and we watched the Iron Man race. I got to see the first place woman finish, and also found out the the third place woman was from the US. Both nights the stars were out. There were so many. I love being able to see so many stars!

Finally on Sunday, before catching our bus back to Palmy, we ventured to a cliff jumping site, but decided that the cliff wasn't high enough. So instead we did a rope swing into the lake! Following those adventures we took a dip in the hot thermal pools in the lake. I knew that they would be warm, but I was so surprised to find out that the water was as warm as a hot tub or warmer! It was painful to get into at first. It was really cool to see such a thing!

So those are the main highlights of the trip. I wouldn't mind going back to Taupo. There is so much to do. I also cannot wait to see more of the North Island!