After our Alpine Crossing we needed a day of taking it easy, so we head to the thermal pools near Taupo.  I had a very relaxing mud wrap and massage while Donny tried to catch me in the book we’re trying to finish, The Penguin History of New Zealand by Michael King.  It’s a great, comprehensive overview written by a true historian, but in a way the layman can understand.  It’s been great to have the “real story” behind the places we’re visiting, and the book seems to cover just about everything we come across, even thought it’s a single volume.

Lake Taupo and its tributaries are one of the trout-fishing capitals of the world. It’s also another adrenaline capital, with lots of opportunities for jet-boating, bungy and the like.  We opted first for the healing hot springs full of curative minerals with varying degrees of heat.  The whole area is a geo-thermal hotspot with spouting geysers and bubbling mud.  The free pumice everywhere is great for callused feet!

We also visited Huka Falls and the other tourist spots along the Volcanic Loop road.

More North Island photos