Prior to our leaving behind the relaxing hot springs of Rotorua, we decided to investigate the Kuirau Parklands, to see what being on a volcanic island had to do with mud pools. At first we discovered some mildly interesting cloudy lakes that were kinda bubbling a bit, but they weren't too exciting. We wanted to be impressed by surging hot bubbles of mud arising in the toil and trouble of steam jets. We then happened upon the Saturday market, which was filled with loads of knick knacks and the yummy smell of hot chicken wafting on the breeze. Traveling further we noticed the chicken, umm, started to smell like rotten eggs?! We quickly found the reason, for, behind the row of stalls, there was a fenced off pool of mud "cooking" as if in a cauldron. Yes, some diabolical chef had stepped away from his kitchen from hell for a second - Just $2 for mixed mud stew? Mmmmm... Check out the video as well!
On our way to Taupo, we stopped to check out one of New Zealand's 'natural wonders': The Huka falls. This particular attraction had both Melissa and Shawna very under impressed, as they had expected something a little larger (as in Niagara Falls Larger). By comparison there would be no contest, but the three of us did agree that the speed and force were quite impressive. This would be great fun with a rubber tube as a water slide!
We had lunch at the Honey Hive, picking up some raspberry mead and headed into the lovely fishing village of Taupo, home of the giant fly fish tackle. Melissa did a double take on our motel room's BBQ and we were heading into town to pick up a couple of choice steaks and vegetables to slap onto the grill.
Lake Taupo is the largest freshwater lake in the southern hemisphere and at the opposite end of the lake, the ominous presence of Mt Doom (aka Mount Ngauruhoe) from the Lord of the Rings. Anybody seen any Hobbits lately?
That night we ate our scrumptious steaks (thanks Melissa!), with some fine mead and watched the Maori movie 'Wale Rider'. This worked well, as we had just had our first taste of Maori culture the night before.
Next up: Glow worms a go go in Waitomo
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