No, this is not Wellington. But how can I share our experience without showing you what we saw along the way…

This is Lake Taupo with Mt. Ruapehu in the background. I clicked this photo as we were driving out of Taupo in the morning.

We had left Auckland the night before so that the kids wouldn’t miss any school. Taupo is not exactlky a half way point, but it did help break up the journey. We were meant to just spend the night  and head out first thing in the morning, but my arm was easily twisted when my darling husband suggested we stop at Craters of the Moon and Huka Falls.

Craters of the Moon is a walk that runs trough a geothermal steamfield right outside of Taupo.

It’s just perfect that Lana is studying volcanoes at school. She was really quite interested in the geography of the areas we crossed.

Even though it smelled a bit like sulfur, it was nothing in comparison to the smell of Rotorua. And to tell you the truth the steam warmed us up a bit. It was cool enough that Lana bought a winter cap on the way out.

Doesn’t this look eerie?

This is not how I remember the fields, but looking at this picture now makes me want to see more of New Zealand. Hopefully it makes YOU want to come visit.

Here is my kiwi kid walking over to Huka Falls. What does it take to be a kiwi kid you ask? Wear no shoes. Simple as that. Warning: this may result in verrucas. My daughter can tell you, they are gross. Wear shoes!

I didn’t get any great shots of Huka Falls, but I being there I could not help but think of Rob & Maria. But Rob, if you come here and go kayaking with my sister can you guarantee that she is in the appropriate kayak this time?