New Zealand: Lake Taupo, cont.

In the morning (see previous New Zealand posts), we headed to Taupo (“toe-paw”), but first took a brief detour to the Murupara Area School, where we delivered extra hangi from the previous night’s feast. (We’d all pitched in to help package and refrigerate the leftover hangi, after the meal.)

The Murupara area has many Maori citizens, and the school is designed to help maintain the native culture and traditions along with the normal primary school skills. It looked like a pretty nice place.

We were greeted by a large group of 5-9 year olds who performed a welcoming haka for us, and then we had half an hour or so to meet the kids, and vice versa.

I sat with a very shy 5 year old named Lincoln and read books to him — Maori children’s stories and counting books (one kiwi bird, two takahe birds…). By the third book, he was snuggled against me. It was pleasant. 🙂

We then headed to Huka Falls on the Waikato river, a deep, fast, dangerous, and beautiful river that produces 15% of the country’s hydroelectric power.

Some pix: https://photos.app.goo.gl/WFwmSpTYj1AsgY1V9

On towards lunch, we arrived in the town of Taupo on the shores of Lake Taupo, a vast caldera with active volcanoes all around, including one that — suitably wreathed in CGI smoke and lightning — served as Mt Doom in the Hobbit movies.

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After lunch, I did the 47m/152′ bungee jump (wahoo!). Later we went on a lovely dinner/sunset sail on the lake.

Pix: https://photos.app.goo.gl/osuAZ3Gitnv7u1Yj6

The next day was quiet: We availed ourselves of the Haka Lodge‘s laundry facilities, explored the town on foot, sampled some excellent local craft beers, and did a little shopping. That night, we had a communal cook-out, (we all chipped in for steaks on the grill) to celebrate our last full day as a group.

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Next stop: Wellington, the end of the guided tour, and the halfway point of a fantastic vacation.

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