After our Hobbiton/Matamata experience, we headed south toward Lake Taupo, and made a few stops along the way. Today turned out to be a "waterfall day"; it was amazing!!! Cory had done the research for the trip regarding things to see, and we set off. Our travel mode is "He does the research, and as long as I am fed well and can do the driving, I will go anywhere..."
Sitting on the right side of the care with the steering wheel in front of me and driving on the left side of the road took some concentration; we would count how many times a day I would inadvertently turn on the windshield wipers (on the left) when I meant to turn on the blinkers (on the right)!
It was not as daunting as I thought it would be, however, and with Cory vigilantly watching my every turn, we avoided catastrophe.
The landscape was stunning and ever-changing--farmlands, forest, jagged rocks....
we were awestruck by everything!
First stop: Huka Falls
The Waikato River is New Zealand's longest river, emptying to the north out of Lake Taupo. Huka Falls is part of this river, emptying 55,000 gallons of water per SECOND.
I thought this was where they filmed the Hobbits riding in the barrels,
but that was further down the river. These vids show Huka Falls from 3 different hiking locations.
Second Stop: Ariatiatia Spillway Dam: Film Location for Hobbits riding in Barrels!
After parking in the carpark (NZ for "parking lot"), we took a small hike up a lovely path to see some great views of this dam and the river below it.
Saw these growing out of a tree trunk; don't know what they are, but they looked cool.
This symbol, the Koru, is prevalent in Maori culture.
It represents a fern unfurling: a New Beginning.
The film crew dropped 20 to 25 barrels down the rapids every time there was a dam release which was at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm.
Same view from further up the trail.
We just wanted a picture with our shadow in it...
After leaving Ariatiatia Spillway, we drove south toward Taupo, and saw a sign for a "scenic overlook"; this is what we saw: Wow.
We finally arrived at Taupo:
Our place of lodging, situated right on the lake.
Anthony was great; he kept joking around with Dad and was really pleasant.
He and his partner collect pigs....and owls...
Interesting outdoor mats....I should post this on Pinterest.
After we got settled in our room we walked along the lake road to find some dinner. We didn't eat here but thought the signage was unique:
- The lake was really cold; I went in for a swim (a very quick one!) the next morning; it was refreshing, and we weren't going to let a few clouds get in the way of our vacation :)
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