NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND DAY5 , NOV 1999

 

NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND 

Day  5

23 Nov 1999

We checked out of Rotorua and headed toward Lake Taupo, the largest lake on North Island. Along the way, we experienced the high speed Huka Jet ride that was skillfully handled by the boat men, trying a few scary stunts.

 

Later we visited the “Hidden Valley” in Orakei Korako, another spectacular with awesome geothermal activities.

Ferry across Lake Ohakurito to Hidden Valley

                                                          Golden Fleece Terrace

                                                           Golden Fleece Terrace

                                                             Golden  Fleece Terrace

                                        

                                                           Cascade Terrace

                                                             Artist's Pallete

                                                      Artist's Pallete

                                                         Fred and Maggie Pools

Devil's Throat

                                                             Hochstetter Cauldron

                                                Rainbow Terrace

                                       

                                                        Ratapu Cave

                                                        Mud Pools

Emeral Terrace with Lake Ohakuri on the background

                                                          Lake Ohakuri

                                                              Emerald Terrace

                                                                Diamond Geyser

Next visit was Wairakei, another geothermal area like a warzone with steam oozing from the surface and many craters. The main attractions here is "craters of the Moon".

                                           Stopping by at Aratiatia Dam along the Waikato River 

Stopped along the shore of Lake Taupo at Acacia Bay.

Stay 2 nights at this comfortable Helmswood Manor Motor Lodge. It was fitted with hot thermal spring water from nearby. 

We had hot water spa in our room.

Route for the day