Gek Art: NZ Travelogue Day 36 to 39

Taupo

What a day! What a drive from Napier to Taupo! Strong winds up with speed of 70 kph greeted us in Taupo. Over 150 trees were blown down in the Taupo area. Shop signboards were dangling down, electricity was cut, shops and cafes were closing when we arrived in the town centre.

Only cold food served in the few cafes that were open.

We nearly missed seeing the Huka Falls as the roads were closed for 2 days to clear the fallen trees. We did miss the Crater of the Moon as the road was still closed 4 days later when we left.

Same as in other towns where water sports and helicopter flights are the most promoted activities. We softies preferred driving around in the car, walking and lazing around.

We managed to take a short walk by the side of the lake later in the afternoon.

Lake Taupo, the largest lake in NZ, measures 17 miles by 25 miles.
The island of Singapore can be dropped into the lake.

It was created 1800 years ago after a major eruption of a volcano. Full of trouts too.Didn't see any though.

Jetty where one can take cruises around the lake. The next day was wet, so we stayed in, read a book.

The following day, we drove along the Volcanic Loop Highway towards Tongariro National Park, passed Turangi, another town by the side of the lake. We did not complete the loop because of the bad weather. We did see a Chateau, Tongariro Hotel at Whakapapa, base of Mt Ruapheu, the highest volcano in the region - 2797m. No luck - the cloudy weather prevented us getting a view of the top of Mt Ruapehu.

On the way back, spotted this on the ground, covered with ice.

We drove back to the north of Lake Taupo, curious to see steam amongst the forests, and later found that we were actually droving by hot thermal spots.

Had an ice cream at Kinloch while looking towards the volcanic area.

Well, the cloud cleared for a while, and we could see the top of the volcano!!

Plenty of pumice around the lake area.

These solidified frothy lava are very light and porous. Abrasive - good for my heels.

Last day in Taupo. Just relax. Went for lunch in town, followed by a visit to a house gallery with a stunning lake view at Acacia Bay. The house owned by an art dealer is decorated with artworks - in every room and in the garden. How i wish to have a similar house adorned with my own arts.

Late afternoon walk by the lake again.

Trying to catch a glimpse of the volcanic mountains through the heavy clouds.