North Island, New Zealand

Taupo

Taupo occupies a central position in the North Island. Its main tourist attraction is Lake Taupo, which was created by the largest volcanic eruption of the past 5,000 years ("it was so big records say the sun went hazy in China").

I couldn't walk because of the severe pain in my left ankle, and I thought the trip could be over. Our original plan was to have a full day of activities in Taupo before staying overnight in Rotorua, which was an hour's drive away. I asked Cindy to drive from Napier to Taupo and rescheduled all activities that involved walking to the next day.

The mighty Huka Fall

The Aratiatia dam. Water is released at scheduled times each day.

But as mysteriously as how the pain came in the first place, it also went gradually but inexplicably. I walked for hours next day visiting two major geothermal activities sites, one in Rotorua and one in Taupo. No pain whatsoever!

The one we went to in Taupo is the Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park, aka The Hidden Valley.

Didn't that thermal pool look like Africa?

The "Golden Fleece Terrace".

Thermal pools and steam everywhere.

Looking up from the Ruatapu Cave.