Spring in my step
Trip Start
Aug 02, 2010
1
9
11
Trip End
Aug 19, 2010
Where I stayed
Taupo Urban Retreat Backpackers
Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand
Sunday, August 15, 2010
We made our way to a park which we were told had a river of Hot Springs running through it. On the approach to the park it was evident that the water was far from cold as we could see steam rising up above the bushes. Bathing is encouraged in the hot springs, but putting your head under is not, the water contains a virus that can cause meningitis. I took the rare chance to jump in (well I wet my feet), and test the water out for myself. It was a very strange sensation to be stood outside under a cover of raincloud and drizzle, in water so naturally hot that it left red marks on my legs where the water had sat.
After experiencing Taupo's natural wonders we took a walk down to the lake and we were just in time for sunset. For an inland location the sunset was incredible, the sky filled with vibrant reds and oranges beautifully reflecting over the water of Lake Taupo. That evening we sat in the hostels bar enjoying $2 glasses of wine, and attempting to get to know our new bus. The north island is definitely different to the south; the scenery just isn't as spectacular. Very aware that we all felt like this, we made a real effort to try and get as much out of the north as we did the south.
