Discover my Travel
Explore every corner, dance every day,
live life with passion!
As with the end of any trip or holiday, always the question arises - 'so what was the best part'.
Common response - 'so many wonderful memories, it's too difficult to find a singular place, time or event'.
I've never liked playing favourites!
Read on to view my video, or is a small version on side panel :)
Sat 28 Feb, 2009 - Tekapo to Christchurch
It was a little sad leaving behind the calm and serene surroundings of Lake Tekapo. Not just because it means that I’ll be heading home tomorrow but it was such a beautiful morning watching the sun rise - could have had another day of peace, though with no bus tomorrow that would be a little problematic.
Fri 27 Feb, 2009 - Tekapo and Mt Cook
Picked up a 8am with the weather looking a little doubtful. However since we were heading back toward the west coast I had looked at the wrong forecast. Even though access to Mt Cook is from the east the weather is predominantly determined from conditions in the west. Anyway there was a chance of light rain in the morning and clearing in the afternoon. Never got the rain and when the cloud really cleared around midday got blue skyline behind Mt Cook so fabulous photos. Considering it rains 143 days in the year here and the majority are cloudy I was very fortunate. Needless to say I have many photos as with each step on the way back I was going wow look at that - even better!
Wed 25 Feb, 2009 - Queenstown to Dunedin
Headed off out of Queenstown on the old gold mining route and got to see the scenery of Central Otago. It slowly transformed from the huge mountain ranges to smaller hills. Finally making it to Dunedin, known as the Edinburgh of the South (can’t comment fully as never been to Edinburgh- later in the year!?). The city is very much a university town with a busy café and bar strip. The university year was just kicking off so a little quiet still. Stayed at On Top Hostel which was situated on top of a bar.
Wandered around a looked at all the old buildings. Also say the Cadbury Factory. Looks quite small from a distance however when near it takes up a whole block of town. Jen went to the movies in the late afternoon. I spent time on the internet trying to organise the next part of my travels! Otherwise a quietish night.
Mon 23 Feb,2009 - Queenstown and Milford Sound
A long amazing day. Picked up at 7.45am and were at Milford sound at 1.45pm. Back on the bus at 3.45pm and arrived back into Queenstown at 7.45pm. Drove basically straight through to Te Anau with a couple of brief photo stops and to fill the water bottle up in a river that is 99.9% pure due to run of from glaciers. Made way through Fiordland National Park for a Cruise along Milford Sound out to Tasman Sea.
Sat 21 Feb, 2009 - Greymouth to Franz Josef
Set off from Greymouth for Franz Josef and the Ice Glaciers. Unfortunately looked like the rain had settled in so who knows if the half day glacier hike will occur. Well found out that the hikes run regardless of the weather - hmmm do I want to do it with no views? The further we continued down the road the more uninterested in the whole concept I became. Jen really wanted to do the heli-hike but no flights today due to the weather so she was going to do the half day hike.
On the way stopped at Bushman’s Hut which was a centre for the area which explained the process from wild to farmed deer. People’s reactions to the centre were very different. Obviously killing of any animal can be seen as brutal though the reasons for the catching of deer and now possums is for the survival of the native wildlife. The owner had quite a sense of humour which could also be taken.
Fri 20 Feb, 2009 - Nelson to GreymouthToday was basically a travel day which we nearly didn’t undertake… our names weren’t on the list. Don’t quite know how and never will but something to do with changing our minds and the head office paperwork not being updated correctly. So at 7.45am standing in the rain with our bags packed and in line to get on the bus, reach the front and ‘sorry the 52 seater is fully booked and your names aren’t on the list’. But why not??? We got off the bus three days ago and left our names with the last driver. So we went to the back of the line and waited to see what would happen next. Jen stressing and me going whatever another day here… Finally everyone was boarded and hang on two were missing … the driver asked others on the bus … no answer. As luck would have it two seats were now available! So we jumped on, crossed fingers and urged (quietly) the bus to go - just in case two heads suddenly appeared from around the corner.
Thur 19 Feb, 2009 - Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park
Today we took a day tour out to the Abel Tasman which involved kayaking and hiking (a walk - wouldn‘t call the section we did a hike!) Departed Nelson at 7am with the rain coming down and Jen saying we should have done this yesterday - better weather! Half way around to the Abel Tasman however the sky began to clear and we saw the sun - Yeah! Arrived at Marahau about 8.30am.
So did the whole safety and how to thing with the sea kayaks then we were ready. With our packs stored in the kayaks and loaded onto the tractor trailer we walked to the water. Low tide so we had to walk out across the sand/ calf deep water to appropriate launch depth. No waves here so nice and calm start - possibly won’t lose my drink bottle today!! The kayak itself took about 3½ hours. We stopped on the beach of Adele Island, the larger of two islands just off the coast, for morning tea. Even managed to get plunger coffee - not instant! Two girls braved the cool waters and had a swim. The tour guide, Steve, laughed at Jen and myself as the water was too cold for the Aussies! Headed back to the main land and reached Observation Beach for lunch. A lovely salad roll and a huge raspberry muffin.
Mon 16 Feb, 2009 -Taupo to Wellington
Started the day heading out of Taupo along the lake and the same views as I had yesterday morning, well views are probably better as it wasn’t dark! Had a brief stop in Turangi, then headed along the Desert Road which runs through the Rangipo Desert which is where some of the Lord of the Rings was filmed (apparently haven’t seen the series fully). Stopped for quick photos of a live volcano - not that it is currently (visibly) active. The rest of the afternoon was basically driving to get to Auckland by 5pm.
Spent the night at the Downtown Backpackers which used to be one of the original hotels in the city. It was also close to the ferry for tomorrow morning. On the way into town got a tour of the main attractions though couldn’t go up Mt Victoria due to road works. Jen went for a walk around the streets whilst I sat (still recovering from yesterday!) Though I did go for walk along the foreshore had dinner on the other side of the city then walked back to the hostel via the main street.
Sun 15 Feb, 2009 - Taupo and Tongariro Crossing
What a day! Had a bus pick up at 5.40am and was dropped off at the starting point of the track, Mangatepopo Carpark (1150m) at 7am. When we left Taupo the cloud was low over the area and could barely see the sun rising. There was just a peak of it on the horizon where there was a thin gap of sky stretching across the horizon. By the time we got to the track the cloud as predicted was lifting. A good thing - would hate to come all this way and have it cancelled.
Toilet, sunscreen, toes taped and set off at 7.20am.
Sat 14 Feb, 2009 - Rotorua to Taupo
Left Jen in Rotorua as she was keen to see more of the town and go to Hell’s Gate. I was tempted to stay and spend time at the mud pools also but the weather was looking really good to do the Tongariro Crossing tomorrow. The smell was also a little more intense today - good to get out! So the bus took us on a drive around town before heading south to the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal area which is famous for its mud pools and Lady Knox Geyser. It is amazing how active the area is with mud pools back in Rotorua, along the road passed many steaming areas and now here as well. The Lady Know Geyser goes off at 10.15am everyday - with a little help from some soap powder. Was wondering how nature could be so predictably accurate!! Whilst it will go off by itself every 24-48 hours each day a park ranger makes it erupt for a large crowd of eager spectators. We then went to the visitors centre to walk through park area. The path takes you past many different looking craters and mud pools before going out into bush areas with waterfalls, caves and lakes. Coming back past the Champagne pool at 740C a few more craters and back to the beginning.
Fri 13 Feb, 2009 - Auckland to Rotorua
The ride out of town took us up to Mt Eden, one of Auckland’s volcanoes with great views across the city. Could also see from there One Tree Hill which atone point had a tree, now has a statue in commemoration of the signing of the Waitangi Treaty. Then leaving toward the lush landscape south. Drove through the Bombay Hills and Waikato region before stopping at Waitomo for 3 hours where we went through 2 caves. The first was the glow worm caves - the main attraction and over 30 million years old. The limestone caves were huge caverns which went down toward an internal river. We got into a boat in the dark and in silence and made our way along the river. Suddenly above us a glow intensified and there were thousands of glow worms scattered across the cave roof. Have never seen so many little green dots of light. The next cave was just a limestone cave - no glow worms as no river ran through this one. But the formations within it were certainly more spectacular than the first.
Thurs 12 Feb, 2009 - Hokinga to Auckland
Slow start to the day as the bus didn’t come this way till 10.15am. While waiting for the bus watched a video at the Information centre/Museum about Opo the ‘Gay Dolphin’ (it was an old film and now politically incorrect!) which is how Opononi got its name. The film kept referring to the dolphin as male but it was female, possibly they realised this after her death. Anyway for a long time Opo was resident in the Harbour and was quite social with the locals. The little town that was hardly visited since the end of the logging, now had a resurgence of visitors wanting to see the famous dolphin. The funniest part of the film was a colourful ball being taken from a little girl and being thrown into the water for Opo to play with. After half hour the dolphin was pretty efficient at dribbling and throwing - now the funny bit - of course as the dolphin did ‘tricks’ the surrounding children would all applause except for the little girl who had ‘lost’ her ball to the dolphin. Anyway after a couple of hours (real time, not film time) the dolphin passed the ball back and the smile returned to the little girls face! Probably had to be there!
So the bus arrived and it was over booked.
Wed 11 Feb, 2009 - Hokianga
Left at 8am on a little bus heading for the west coast of the peninsular. A lovely drive across with much farm land visible. Arrived in Opononi at 9.30 and went to pay for the evening footprints tour before being dropped off at our accommodation further up the road and closer to Omapere. Globe Trekkers is located up the hill slightly and is only a small place. It is a great spot to stay.
In the early afternoon walked around to the south head and around the lookout which, even with the weather, had wondrous views. Returned back into Omapere and had a bite to eat before continuing back to hostel. Though I felt like walking on so continued the 3km walk to Opononi (as you can probably tell the towns are very close together). Just after the information centre I took a path down onto the beach, which the tide was getting lower though did include a few walking across rocks to get around the cliffs. A beautiful walk into town. The houses went on forever along the foreshores before getting to the main town area, which included a mini-mart, hotel, café/restaurant and petrol station - all within 50m. Sat on the boat ramp and watched people jumping into the water and being swept downstream swimming toward an exit point. The flow of the water was pretty swift. Got a little wet on the way back. There has been a drizzle on and off all day, though got a little heavier on the way back. Made it back to the hostel by 4.30pm and had time for a tea, and dry off, before getting organised for the tour.
Mon 9 Feb, 2009 - Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands)
Anyway it was an early start - though the bus was half hour late. Along the way stopped at a couple of small towns more for necessity than for sight seeing. Made it to Pahia by 12.30pm. Drove through town past the Waitangi treaty site which was where a treaty was signed between the Maori people and the British government in February 1840. Headed around the golf course to a lookout with panoramic views, which were currently non-existent due to amount of cloud cover and drizzle. Before going to the Saltwater hostel stopped at the information centre to pay for tours that we wanted to do. Had planned to do a day cruise tomorrow - which I kept changing my mind because of the weather - once Jenny found out that it wasn’t a catamaran and there was cover on board she was probably more interested so felt I should go also. Besides it is the Bay of Islands and should really go out and see them and the weather isn’t really conducive to hiking. Were also trying to figure out how to get across to the west coast to do the Footprints twilight tour. It was looking problematic as buses don’t run that way. Well the magic coach does but not that suited our schedule. Looked like a car hire may be the go which I was happy to do. Jen wasn’t as keen on the idea especially the part about driving the hour and half back after 10pm. Not an adventurous soul - or just more sensible than me!
Sun 8 Feb, 2009 - Auckland (Waiheke Island)
On a ferry by 10am after booking the tour, having breakfast and walking down to the pier. We were off to Waiheke Island today which is one of the larger islands and is almost an extension of Auckland due to amount of people living on the island and a popular weekend get away. It was a busy day due not only to the long weekend though it also had the annual Race day at Onetoa Beach. On arrival at Waiheke we boarded a bus which did a quick island tour and got a bit of history as well as getting our bearings. We jumped of at the last stop before the bus went back to the ferry terminal at Onetoa beach to check out the action.
The beach race day was a fascinating event.
Fri 6 Feb, 2009 - Whitianga to Auckland
A nice early morning windy drive around the mountains and down toward Paeroa which is famous for L&P (lemon and paeora) drink which tastes a little like the Dr Pepper or other caffeinated fizzy beverages you can get. L&P is pretty well only found in NZ. I am led to believe it never took off anywhere else even with coke taking over production of it. Swapped buses and was in Auckland around lunch. It is Waitangi day - a public holiday based on a treaty signed between the Maori Leaders and Britain. (In a couple of days we will be heading to the Bay of Islands which is where Whitangi is located.) This meant no bridge climb - a bit disappointing but can’t be helped. Wandered around Auckland in the afternoon - was amazing how many shops were open considering it was a holiday. There was a buskers festival on here as well and there were gatherings of people at different points around town.
Wed 4 Feb, 2009 - Whitianga
Had arranged to meet a German girl, Melanie, at the info centre in the morning and do something together. So was able to go for walk along the beach in the morning. Was a littl
e surprised when 4 Germans met me. More from yesterdays bus had decided to stay for
another couple of days. Guess they enjoyed to beach since they had come from the snow!! Anyway we headed back to Hahei to go sea kayaking for the afternoon around the Cathedral Cove. There were 7 of us in total which was a good number. The kayaks were doubles and I started in the front. The girl in the back found it challenging to keep us steering straight. The trip took us first around to Cathedral Cove, this time on the other side of rock from yesterday. Had time for a swim and then the leader made us cappuccinos on the beach, in silve
r (metal) cups and saucers, with chocolate chip cookies! It must have been a funny sight. I had heard that they make you coffee but didn’t consider it was on the beach half way into the trip.
Tue 3 Feb, 2009 - Mt Maunganui to Whitianga
Today on way to Coromandal area would include two buses. One to Thames and the second onto Whitianga. Got to Thames which is an old mining town just after 10am and waited for the next bus to arrive. The first driver didn’t talk very much and tell much about the area. Hadn’t had any contact from other driver and he was running late. Showed up then since they hadn’t had a break - I had another half hour to see Thames. This time walked into the town which was nestled into the hillside.
Then continued to the east side of the peninsular. Stopped along route to see a little river which the driver, Nate, liked and showed us some of the local flora.
We were meant to go to the Hot Water Beach, though it was high tide and therefore apparently pointless. Went instead straight around to Hahei where Nate organised his family’s special ice-cream sandwich - piece of Hockey Pockey ice-cream between two wafers. Was nice and cheaper by an ice-cream slab and packet of wafers than as a single serve. Continued around to Cathedral Cove where it was a half hour walk around to the site. The walk was really nice. Started walking with a couple of girls but they were much more focused on getting to the beach as quickly as possible so they could swim. So I soon was a little behind as I
was taking a few photos. The cove lived up to its name with huge arches in the rocks. There were quite a few people down there enjoying the water - surprising given the isolation.
Sun 1 Feb, 2009 - Napier to Mt Maunganui
Already 1 month done for the year - geez this year is going quickly. I feel like I’ve been gone for a while and done heaps but it actually hasn’t really been all that long. 1 week till I meet up with Jen in Auckland.
Left Napier at 8am and headed toward Taupo. Stopped at a waterfall along the way with a decent fall. The area was obviously a popular hangout which didn’t make huge sense as it was still away out of town but there was quite a bit of litter and graffiti on the rocks. As we were leaving the area stopped to help some German ladies who had run out of petrol. They had enough to go a few kilometres so they followed the bus 10mins down the road to a little stop which at one stage did provide a petrol service but no longer even though the sign was still displayed. Anyway the driver chatted with the owners and we left the ladies there and continued onto Taupo. Only a quick break here, mostly just for food, though I walked down to the lake. Will be back here to spend more time on the way back down south.
As with the end of any trip or holiday, always the question arises - 'so what was the best part'.
Picked up a 8am with the weather looking a little doubtful. However since we were heading back toward the west coast I had looked at the wrong forecast. Even though access to Mt Cook is from the east the weather is predominantly determined from conditions in the west. Anyway there was a chance of light rain in the morning and clearing in the afternoon. Never got the rain and when the cloud really cleared around midday got blue skyline behind Mt Cook so fabulous photos. Considering it rains 143 days in the year here and the majority are cloudy I was very fortunate. Needless to say I have many photos as with each step on the way back I was going wow look at that - even better!
Headed off out of Queenstown on the old gold mining route and got to see the scenery of Central Otago. It slowly transformed from the huge mountain ranges to smaller hills. Finally making it to Dunedin, known as the Edinburgh of the South (can’t comment fully as never been to Edinburgh- later in the year!?). The city is very much a university town with a busy café and bar strip. The university year was just kicking off so a little quiet still. Stayed at On Top Hostel which was situated on top of a bar.
A long amazing day. Picked up at 7.45am and were at Milford sound at 1.45pm. Back on the bus at 3.45pm and arrived back into Queenstown at 7.45pm. Drove basically straight through to Te Anau with a couple of brief photo stops and to fill the water bottle up in a river that is 99.9% pure due to run of from glaciers. Made way through Fiordland National Park for a Cruise along Milford Sound out to Tasman Sea.
Left Jen in Rotorua as she was keen to see more of the town and go to Hell’s Gate. I was tempted to stay and spend time at the mud pools also but the weather was looking really good to do the Tongariro Crossing tomorrow. The smell was also a little more intense today - good to get out! So the bus took us on a drive around town before heading south to the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal area which is famous for its mud pools and Lady Knox Geyser. It is amazing how active the area is with mud pools back in Rotorua, along the road passed many steaming areas and now here as well. The Lady Know Geyser goes off at 10.15am everyday - with a little help from some soap powder. Was wondering how nature could be so predictably accurate!! Whilst it will go off by itself every 24-48 hours each day a park ranger makes it erupt for a large crowd of eager spectators. We then went to the visitors centre to walk through park area. The path takes you past many different looking craters and mud pools before going out into bush areas with waterfalls, caves and lakes. Coming back past the Champagne pool at 740C a few more craters and back to the beginning.
The ride out of town took us up to Mt Eden, one of Auckland’s volcanoes with great views across the city. Could also see from there One Tree Hill which atone point had a tree, now has a statue in commemoration of the signing of the Waitangi Treaty. Then leaving toward the lush landscape south. Drove through the Bombay Hills and Waikato region before stopping at Waitomo for 3 hours where we went through 2 caves. The first was the glow worm caves - the main attraction and over 30 million years old. The limestone caves were huge caverns which went down toward an internal river. We got into a boat in the dark and in silence and made our way along the river. Suddenly above us a glow intensified and there were thousands of glow worms scattered across the cave roof. Have never seen so many little green dots of light. The next cave was just a limestone cave - no glow worms as no river ran through this one. But the formations within it were certainly more spectacular than the first.
Slow start to the day as the bus didn’t come this way till 10.15am. While waiting for the bus watched a video at the Information centre/Museum about Opo the ‘Gay Dolphin’ (it was an old film and now politically incorrect!) which is how Opononi got its name. The film kept referring to the dolphin as male but it was female, possibly they realised this after her death. Anyway for a long time Opo was resident in the Harbour and was quite social with the locals. The little town that was hardly visited since the end of the logging, now had a resurgence of visitors wanting to see the famous dolphin. The funniest part of the film was a colourful ball being taken from a little girl and being thrown into the water for Opo to play with. After half hour the dolphin was pretty efficient at dribbling and throwing - now the funny bit - of course as the dolphin did ‘tricks’ the surrounding children would all applause except for the little girl who had ‘lost’ her ball to the dolphin. Anyway after a couple of hours (real time, not film time) the dolphin passed the ball back and the smile returned to the little girls face! Probably had to be there!
So the bus arrived and it was over booked. 
Left at 8am on a little bus heading for the west coast of the peninsular. A lovely drive across with much farm land visible. Arrived in Opononi at 9.30 and went to pay for the evening footprints tour before being dropped off at our accommodation further up the road and closer to Omapere. Globe Trekkers is located up the hill slightly and is only a small place. It is a great spot to stay.
In the early afternoon walked around to the south head and around the lookout which, even with the weather, had wondrous views. Returned back into Omapere and had a bite to eat before continuing back to hostel. Though I felt like walking on so continued the 3km walk to Opononi (as you can probably tell the towns are very close together). Just after the information centre I took a path down onto the beach, which the tide was getting lower though did include a few walking across rocks to get around the cliffs. A beautiful walk into town. The houses went on forever along the foreshores before getting to the main town area, which included a mini-mart, hotel, café/restaurant and petrol station - all within 50m. Sat on the boat ramp and watched people jumping into the water and being swept downstream swimming toward an exit point. The flow of the water was pretty swift. Got a little wet on the way back. There has been a drizzle on and off all day, though got a little heavier on the way back. Made it back to the hostel by 4.30pm and had time for a tea, and dry off, before getting organised for the tour.
Anyway it was an early start - though the bus was half hour late. Along the way stopped at a couple of small towns more for necessity than for sight seeing. Made it to Pahia by 12.30pm. Drove through town past the Waitangi treaty site which was where a treaty was signed between the Maori people and the British government in February 1840. Headed around the golf course to a lookout with panoramic views, which were currently non-existent due to amount of cloud cover and drizzle. Before going to the Saltwater hostel stopped at the information centre to pay for tours that we wanted to do. Had planned to do a day cruise tomorrow - which I kept changing my mind because of the weather - once Jenny found out that it wasn’t a catamaran and there was cover on board she was probably more interested so felt I should go also. Besides it is the Bay of Islands and should really go out and see them and the weather isn’t really conducive to hiking. Were also trying to figure out how to get across to the west coast to do the Footprints twilight tour. It was looking problematic as buses don’t run that way. Well the magic coach does but not that suited our schedule. Looked like a car hire may be the go which I was happy to do. Jen wasn’t as keen on the idea especially the part about driving the hour and half back after 10pm. Not an adventurous soul - or just more sensible than me!
Sun 8 Feb, 2009 - Auckland (Waiheke Island)
On a ferry by 10am after booking the tour, having breakfast and walking down to the pier. We were off to Waiheke Island today which is one of the larger islands and is almost an extension of Auckland due to amount of people living on the island and a popular weekend get away. It was a busy day due not only to the long weekend though it also had the annual Race day at Onetoa Beach. On arrival at Waiheke we boarded a bus which did a quick island tour and got a bit of history as well as getting our bearings. We jumped of at the last stop before the bus went back to the ferry terminal at Onetoa beach to check out the action.
The beach race day was a fascinating event. 
A nice early morning windy drive around the mountains and down toward Paeroa which is famous for L&P (lemon and paeora) drink which tastes a little like the Dr Pepper or other caffeinated fizzy beverages you can get. L&P is pretty well only found in NZ. I am led to believe it never took off anywhere else even with coke taking over production of it. Swapped buses and was in Auckland around lunch. It is Waitangi day - a public holiday based on a treaty signed between the Maori Leaders and Britain. (In a couple of days we will be heading to the Bay of Islands which is where Whitangi is located.) This meant no bridge climb - a bit disappointing but can’t be helped. Wandered around Auckland in the afternoon - was amazing how many shops were open considering it was a holiday. There was a buskers festival on here as well and there were gatherings of people at different points around town.
Had arranged to meet a German girl, Melanie, at the info centre in the morning and do something together. So was able to go for walk along the beach in the morning. Was a littl
e surprised when 4 Germans met me. More from yesterdays bus had decided to stay for
another couple of days. Guess they enjoyed to beach since they had come from the snow!! Anyway we headed back to Hahei to go sea kayaking for the afternoon around the Cathedral Cove. There were 7 of us in total which was a good number. The kayaks were doubles and I started in the front. The girl in the back found it challenging to keep us steering straight. The trip took us first around to Cathedral Cove, this time on the other side of rock from yesterday. Had time for a swim and then the leader made us cappuccinos on the beach, in silve
r (metal) cups and saucers, with chocolate chip cookies! It must have been a funny sight. I had heard that they make you coffee but didn’t consider it was on the beach half way into the trip.
We were meant to go to the Hot Water Beach, though it was high tide and therefore apparently pointless. Went instead straight around to Hahei where Nate organised his family’s special ice-cream sandwich - piece of Hockey Pockey ice-cream between two wafers. Was nice and cheaper by an ice-cream slab and packet of wafers than as a single serve. Continued around to Cathedral Cove where it was a half hour walk around to the site. The walk was really nice. Started walking with a couple of girls but they were much more focused on getting to the beach as quickly as possible so they could swim. So I soon was a little behind as I 
was taking a few photos. The cove lived up to its name with huge arches in the rocks. There were quite a few people down there enjoying the water - surprising given the isolation.
Left Napier at 8am and headed toward Taupo. Stopped at a waterfall along the way with a decent fall. The area was obviously a popular hangout which didn’t make huge sense as it was still away out of town but there was quite a bit of litter and graffiti on the rocks. As we were leaving the area stopped to help some German ladies who had run out of petrol. They had enough to go a few kilometres so they followed the bus 10mins down the road to a little stop which at one stage did provide a petrol service but no longer even though the sign was still displayed. Anyway the driver chatted with the owners and we left the ladies there and continued onto Taupo. Only a quick break here, mostly just for food, though I walked down to the lake. Will be back here to spend more time on the way back down south.
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