It really isn't a water fall like they make it sound. It is actually just a vicious section of the Waikato River– New Zealand's longest river. It is actually pretty neat in that the rapids are forced down a narrow channel. The river is actually the way it is today due to a serious of hydroelectric dams up the river that control the water level. Apparently, more water roars through the falls between 8am and 8pm due to the electrical needs of the region.
A picture of me in front of Huka Falls.
If you follow the path across the bridge over the falls, there is a nice trail (or as New Zealanders call it, a track) along the Waikato River. It was a really nice day so we decided to give it a try.
This is a picture of an unfurling fern frond, which is unique to New Zealand. For some reason, the ferns in New Zealand, instead of growing outward like normal plants would, unroll as they grow. The stem of the fern is the thick part, and the smaller leaves that grow out the side also unroll themselves. They look like grubs but are actually rolled up leaves.
Here is a scenic shot of the Waikato River at the end of our hike. This is where I sat on a bench to rest and proceeded to get sun burnt on my forehead and nose.
After we got into Taupo, we went for a drive to explore the beauty of the region. Here I am posing in front of a "scenic outlook" stop along the highway. Behind me you can see Lake Taupo, which is New Zealand's largest lake. It is actually a volcanic caldera filled with water. European settlers introduced trout into the lake long ago and consequently turned the lake into the "world's trout fishing capital." The mountains you see behind me from the left to right are Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Ngauruhoe, and Mt. Pukekaikiore. You had to ask, right?
This is our hostel in Taupo, called the Tiki Lodge. We like it here and are staying a second night.Okay now DISCUSS!!!!
12 comments:
Your pictures are awesome! :)
...where are you again?
Thanks for sharing the beauty of NZ with us. Your narratives are wonderful. They're not only very informative, but they telegraph your excitement about your travels and the sights.
...It's very fun sharing this trip on your blog site,
Love,
Mom
and what's more....
Every morning I sign on to read all about your adventures. You were a scarey mud monster! We have the atlas out on the table to follow your progress. Thank you for letting us enjoy your travels through the great pictures. Your tent should be arriving in NZ so hope they know where to forward it! I love to see the Hostels and your rooms, too.
Did I not tell you NZ is the coolest place on earth!? Where else are there all these awesome outdoor wonders and gorgeous views? Have fun with Roger!
Drew:
Followers may not know that they need to sign-in; be registered etc, before a comment blank is available for them. I registered through a Gmail account, which when I click "sign-on" comes up in choices. I'm not sure what other followers do. This may be intuitive to some, but wasn't to me.
Andrew: Great job of reporting!
That hostel, the Tiki Lodge, has a belcony with a fantastic view of Lake Taupo and the mountains behind it. I will try and post some of the pictures when I get a chance.
Sweet as! Beautiful weather and sights...did you see natural hot springs towards the end of that hike along the Waikato? Are you going to follow Frodo's hairy footsteps up Mt. Doom?
Drew - Love following your travels. Very inspiring writing and exploits. Thanks to you we are already working on next years Halloween costumes... Mud-man and Mud-woman!
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