Travelling further south we headed for River Valley through the stunning Tongariro National Park, New Zealands oldest National Park where we were fortunate to have time to get off the bus for an hours hike. River Valley is mainly an adventure lodge nestled between towering cliffs and bush clad hills. The Rangitikei River runs right past the front door of the lodge perfect for white water rafting. And that it just what we did there. This is my 3rd experience ...

On the way to Taupo we stopped off for a walk by Huka Falls. The falls are 11 metres hight and were formed by an earthquake. Taupo itself is the first town of any real size we have come across since leaving Auckland. It is situated on the banks of Lake Taupo which is the largest lake in Australasia, big enough to fit the whole of Singapore in it. It is believed that it was the scene of the largest known volcanic explosion around 186 AD. As you look out of th...

From Rotorua we travelled west to Waitomo. Again the scenery whilst travelling is just breathtaking. Waitomo translates as wai meaning water, tomo meaning cave. The area is famous for its caves made of limestone and hidden beneath the countryside. Here I faced my fear of darked confined spaces and did "The Black Abyss" approximately 2 hours underground, abseiling down through cave shaft, tubing down the water within, a flying fox in the dark and ge...

Back on the road. This time I'm on a hop on hop off tour but don't have much time for hopping off. Plan is to cover north and south island in about 23 days. Left Auckland on Tuesday morning. Spent Monday getting sorted and exploring the city, not very inspiring so glad to be travelling again. Once out of the city heading south you very quickly understand how New Zealand has gained a reputation for stunning scenery. It really is breathtaking. Rolling hills ...

Back on the road. This time I'm on a hop on hop off tour but don't have much time for hopping off. Plan is to cover north and south island in about 23 days. Left Auckland on Tuesday morning. Spent Monday getting sorted and exploring the city, not very inspiring so glad to be travelling again. Once out of the city heading south you very quickly understand how New Zealand has gained a reputation for stunning scenery. It really is breathtaking. Rolling hills ...