The Gastronomic Terp: A Little Tramping, Some Rafting & a Lot of Hot Air

Updates from the Central North Island -

So for those of you unfamiliar with NZ geography, we have been covering quite a bit of ground these past few days in an effort to see as much of NZ as possible. After starting on the northern part of the N. Island, and then flying down to Queenstown and Fjordland on the southern part of the S. Island, we then flew back up north to explore the central part of the N. Island, and the thermal region of Taupo and Tongariro National Park - yes, we are a little ambitious but isn't that what trips/vacations are for? One of the unique benefits of all this has been seeing the stark contrast in geography (and climate obviously). In just one week we have gone from a tropical island setting to deep fjords and arctic waters, and continued into rolling green hills and volcanic mountain ranges. This truly is Middle Earth with awe-inspiring views around every corner, and you can easily imagine a hobbit or elf popping out from around a hillside or from behind a tree. Next up we headed down to the southern part of the N. Island (Wellington) and then we're off to the northern part of the S. Island (Nelson and Marlborough)! Well done if you actually followed all that!

Taupo / Hot Springs

Taupo was our first stop in the central North Island and this area is specifically known for it's thermal activity and hot springs. EB knew about a hidden stream that fed into NZ's longest river, the Waikato, so we ventured down a path to what could only be described as a steaming inferno. At which time EB decided to mention that she had previously visited in the winter and they enjoyed a lovely soak in the top of the pool. Ultimately we were able to enjoy the hot springs closer to the river's edge where the waters mixed - thanks EB for such a unique experience! We caught sunset on Lake Taupo and frolicked a bit by the water and then grabbed what might turn out to be my favorite meal so far, down on the waterfront - I had rack of lamb (I know I should try to be more original - yes, I know what I said Pete) and EB enjoyed prawns and calamari salad. Another good thing about EB finally letting go of her veggie ways - we can share our meals and try so many more delicious combinations of food! We made some new Kiwi friends, as well as a few local Maori boys. I got my 1st official hongi from a Maori and EB continued her trend of giving out her business card to random people we meet during our travels. I think she's going to enjoy some entertaining emails and texts in the next few days and I also think she is secretly trying to build her own NZ fan club.

Hot Springs outside Taupo

Enjoying a soak

Sunset on Lake Taupo

So far the winner of favorite meal in NZ!

White Water Tongariro River

So EB and I decided to take advantage of the awesome outdoor activities in NZ and check off one of the few remaining things on her list while still in NZ! Our river that day was a Class 3 with over 30 rapids through the course of a 4 hour ride. We had done our homework and knew that this particular company took you to a hidden waterfall that was included in the trip! Ironically, the river flows through prison land where they make the prisoners work on the farms with the sheep and the cattle (insert joke here). We had a cute Swedish family on the boat with us and had a great local Maori guide, and a younger guy learning the river after going to PolyTech school on the South Island for outdoor water instruction. Seriously, I would like to go to school to be a river rafting and kayaking guide! We also met someone at one of the wineries a few days before who had gone to a PolyTech school for working at a winery - again, brilliant! So needless to say, this day was pretty fantastic! Later that afternoon we drove up to Tongariro National Park to settle in before the hike the next day and cooked up some delicious green-lipped mussels we had picked up at the store.

Rafting the Tongariro

Waterfall Jump

7M high from up at the jump - frigidly cold water at the bottom

Tongariro Alpine Crossing
There's too much to say about this awesome hike on an active volcano ,and I will let the pictures tell a bit of the story and save the rest for in person. In short, the hike is supposed to take about 7-8 hours and we finished in 6 hours. Although we have also realized the NZeders typically over-estimate the tramping and driving times, so everyone is always impressed when we arrive early!

Another key fact on this hike - EB seriously kicked my butt! Now I haven't decided if I think our tax payer dollars are going to good use allowing her time to run 4 days a week, or if the fact that she lives on top of a massive hill gave her a slight advantage, but either way - we made a great team and I am slightly jealous of her awesome stamina. I guess this was a good warm up for that half marathon I'm running in January!

This hike started across a hilly, rocky mesa and then quickly turned into the staircase that never ended, up a steep incline with some awesome views back across the valley. Once we reached the next pit stop (a la Amazing Race), we were faced with the daunting decision of climbing Mt. Doom (Mt. Nguarahoe) and adding 3 hours to our hike. Based on numerous facts including our lack of snow attire, poles and my serious doubt that my heart wouldn't explode on the steep incline, we decided to tackle the other 4 hours of our hike.

The next few hours included some alpine deserts in the middle of craters, sulphuric lakes, and some slippery slopes of loose gravel and rock that kept us a far from the narrow edge as possible. We met some entertaining folks on the descent down this one treacherous area, including a group of 4 ladies from different countries traveling together for their 50th birthdays. We also crossed some snow and ice packs, as well as a multitude of streams and waterfalls. The last 2 hours of the trip were through heavy forest that seemed never ending, but were also a welcome change from the alpine landscape we had previously hiked.