garyandpearl

Day 15 January 31, 2014

This morning we left Rotarua and drove to Lake Taupo. This is another tourist destination and it reminds us of the Okanagan area. We settled into our room before noon and then found our way to DeBretts spa to book a couple’s massage. After two weeks of carrying back packs and hiking, our bodies are feeling a bit sore. I can just say that 60 minutes was not long enough. Sebastian and Jana had their work cut out for them. We also got to soak in the natural mineral pools as well.

After our massages and a good cup of coffee with a New Zealand dessert (did I mention there are lost of bakeries down under?), we headed to the Aratiatia Dam to watch the floodgates open. This is the filming location where the dwarves escaped inside the barrels in the second Hobbit movie. We hiked up to a viewpoint to get these before and after shots:

Our next hike was to Huka falls which turned out to be about 2 hours. On the way there, we passed a waterfall where HOT water was coming out from the rocks. There were several young people hanging out in their swim suits and sitting in the nearby pools.

Our hike was a bit more rigorous than we had thought, but it was a good workout.

As we have been hiking the past few days, Cicadas have been our companions. Their sounds, at times, are almost deafening. Today we finally were able to get a picture of one.

Gary found the opportunity to photograph some sheep today, as well:

Chinese food down at the waterfront was our supper choice tonight. There are so many restaurants it is hard to choose!! Just before heading back to our hotel for the night, we sat by the lake and watched the sunset:

It has been another great day. Tomorrow we are off to New Plymouth.

Verse of the day:

Proverbs 15:16

“Better is a little with the fear of the LORD
than great treasure and trouble with it.”