Saturday, we went and checked out the Wai-O-Tapui thermal area. First off we saw the lady knox geyser. We were somewhat disappointed in it as they trigger it to go off as opposed to it going off naturally. From there, we walked around the thermal pools. They were quite impressive being multi-colored and very vibrant.
After the thermal pools, we took a soak in the hot springs we went to the day before. We opted to visit the spring that had the hot and cool streams. We soaked in there until we were as wrinkly as a shairpei. The combination of the hot and cold enable you to stay a long time in the water. We had a nice chat with other visitors as they stopped by and got some suggestions for traveling.
Today our plan was to drive to Tonganero National Park and do the Tonganero Crossing. Well, the weather had different ideas. It was gloomy and overcast….so we skipped the hike and are heading to the shore. We were disappointed about missing the hike as they shot the Mordor scenes there from LOTR there. We could see it from a distance though.
Other musings….
– The hostel we stayed in was the best we have stayed in so far. Clean and very friendly. We were quite pleased with it.
– We have met many Americans in New Zealand. There were about 8 staying at our hostel. It was nice to chat with them.
yes that is real
If we're submitting picture requests, how about some shots of the scenery? I have heard NZ is beautiful and I have visions of white, fluffy sheep grazing on beautiful green hills…is that real?
ok..the pools, streams, hikes, hostel..all sound wonderful, but where are the hobbits..we want pictures of hobbits please.
look forward to your return
love
mom, dad, pj and wags.