Huka Falls

A very busy day around Taupo

Anne here…

Three of today’s four activities, Paul and I had done on our last visit. But we had loved them so much last time that we were happy to repeat them.

For me, the power of thousands of litres of frothing, whirling, ice blue water hurtling through Huka Falls was just as moving and surprisingly emotional the second time. I find the sheer power of the Falls totally mesmerising.

Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon

Then the geothermal landscape around Taupo is spectacularly shown off in “The Craters of the Moon” boardwalk trail. You walk through a harsh steamy landscape, with the smell of sulphur in your nostrils, marvelling at huge craters and bubbling mud pools. The sun shone; it was very hot.

Aratiatia Rapids

Aratiatia Rapids

Then a quick detour to watch the opening of the Aratiatia dam sluices. The water company open the sluices three times a day just to amaze tourists and help attract visitors to the area. A siren blasts four warnings which heightens the anticipation. There are several excellent viewing platforms. The dam gates open and a frothing torrent of water fills the empty ravine. It is awesome and generates gasps of amazement. It is also a Lord of the Rings film location.

Finally the adults finished the day with a very welcome relaxing soak in two huge warm/hot geothermal pools while Amelia and Ben played in an aqua-park and on aqua-slides. It’s a hard life being on holiday ?