We left Napier this morning. We feel much better. Mann Tours back on track….

The journey from Napier to Taupo follows the highway 5 along the Thermal Explorer Highway. We travelled through the Tarawera forest where we stopped for coffee at Tarawera. This is the half way point along the road too. We loved seeing the hill ranges all along. It is a pretty, and long, hilly road. After Rangitaiki you reach a plateau with volcano hills and steaming hillsides. Then you see a view of the huge Lake Taupo.

We had an early brunch and a rest. There was an arboretum close by with views over the town and lake so we spent some time there and had a little walk along the lemon tree walk.

We looked on the map and found that Huka Falls was quite near so we went there. Wow it was impressive. There was a viewing platform and then further along the road you can park up and walk a short way to cross over the river below the falls.

The water flowing over the rocks sounds terrifically loud. It is absolutely worthwhile going to see. It is all fenced off for safety and there are cycle and walking paths along the river and towards Taupo.

About 200,000 litres of water plunge nine metres every second. On the way back to Taupo there are thermal springs and the water is carried along in huge pipes to geo thermal power generation plants.

Our motel is a five minute walk away from the main shopping area and the town is full of restaurants and shops.

Early evening we walked down to the small harbour and beach at Taupo. We found they are doing the kiwi version of IRONMAN….. Ironmaori. The bikes were all there in readiness and swimmers were being timed for the swimming

We are here until Tuesday.

And…. I’m in heaven in our bathroom is our own washer and a tumble drier…. I’ll be washing clothes every day…. it doesn’t take much to make me happy…

Pleased to hear Matthew Blandine Louis and Alice are coming to stay over Easter and Louis staying for a week by himself afterwards, how lovely xxxx

Ps   You will have heard the terrible news of murders at the 2 Christchurch mosques this afternoon. Hundreds of children were in the centre of the city too demonstrating about climate change. Their parents must also be so worried . New Zealand is in shock.