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9 Nov 2014 - Rotorua to Masterton
We say farewell to Rotorua as we head off to the Waiotapu mud pools 10 minutes south of Rotorua. This is a large area of thermal activity with many large bubbling, boiling mud pools.
Leaving the mud pools behind we set off for Lake Taupo travelling through sheep and cattle country with magnificent countryside, deep gorges and snow-capped mountains - very picturesque indeed. On the way we stop to have a look at the Wairakie Thermal Fields with thermal power generators built in 1958.
Next we visit the Huka Falls on The Waikato River where it moves gracefully north from Lake Taupo between banks 100 metres apart. Just before the Huka Falls it enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. At the end of the ravine the water pours out at a rate of 200,000 litres per second.
We arrive into Taupo for morning tea. Taupo is a beautiful town on the banks of the Lake Taupo with snow- capped mountains as a backdrop.
We travel further south arriving into Napier for lunch. Napier is renowned for its Art Deco architecture and atmosphere. Many of the shops have been restored in the Gatsby style with vintage vehicles everywhere. We stopped for a drink in the Mason Hotel - where the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip stayed in Napier on the Royal Visit on 6 Jan 1954.
The long esplanade provides a seaside - beach front setting.
Continuing on we stop at the Tui Brewery established in 1889. Tui beer is popular throughout the country. And of course to make the stop worthwhile Bern and I sampled the local brew.
Onwards to Masterton - our overnight stop.
Today's temperature: Min 7 (Rotorua) Max 22 (Masterton)
Today's insights:
5 years ago New Zealand had 1 million dairy cows - now 7 million. These cows contribute 50% of the toal New Zealand greenhouse gas (methane) emissions.
New Zealand was the first country in the world to:
- introduce a Government-funded pension system for coal miners forced to retire at approx 35 years due to ill health
- allow women and the Maori the right to vote.
Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake and has formed in the crater of a huge volcano which last erupted in AD89.
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