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T&KonTour
Tuesday 12 April, Taupo to Tongariro National Park
Each day at 10am, 12pm & 2pm The Huka Dam sluice gates are opened to produce a torrent of water through the rapids below the dam. Colin was keen, so we set our itinerary to be there by 10.00am. On the way C&S were able to see Huka Falls (driving is easier than walking folks) and the "Lava Glass Studio" which has a garden with glass sculptures and, of course, a cafe. We drop in to see the glass but have to leave to get to the dam on time. Just as we arrive a siren starts to wail, so Colin & Kathy are off and racing to see the water start to pour down the sluice. Gradually the water fills the pool below the dam and the ravine starts to pump.
Back at the glass workshop, Tony takes a fancy to some red tumblers so the shop arranges for them to be posted. On the strength of the purchase we get free entry to the "Garden." Lots of fantastic shapes, all in glass.
With a short detour to try to see some last thermal pools we hit SH5 to bypass Taupo and head around the south shore of Lake Taupo. About an hour later we are climbing as we drive along SH47 and then turn south to climb up the lower slopes of Mount Ruapehu. We just had to take it on trust that the mountain was there 'cause we couldn't see it through the rain and low cloud. Then Chateau Tongariro appeared out of the mist. Opened in 1929 the Chateau has had a checkered past but despite the fact that some areas have been recently renovated, it retains it's 1930's charm with rich drapes, chandeliers and large open fires.
We are a little early to check in, so we have lunch in the lounge. Just a "sandwich" rather than the High Tea that others around us were having. We have booked a table in the Raupehu Restaurant for this evening and don't want to spoil our appetites. The rain continues to fall through the afternoon, so we read, take a sauna and swim in the indoor heated pool, or check out the private cinema that just happens to be showing "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
Our 2 bedroom apartment is in a separate building to the main hotel but is comfortable, warm, and the washer/dryer gets a workout.
The main event of the day is dinner in the Raupehu Restaurant. We posh up, Tony even wears a jacket, and we have cocktails in the lounge, in front of the fire. Excellent! Then into the restaurant where several large tables of Chinese tourists are just finishing their meal. Our waiter, Brian, seems a little hesitant which we put down to inexperience. Brian was very helpful through the evening but it was clear that he was not quite on top of everything. Luckily when more experienced staff came out with the food, any issues of missing cutlery etc. were immediately picked up. The food was good, if not outstanding, and we smiled at some of Brian's little quirks. Back to the lounge for coffees, we all agreed that it had been a great night in a very atmospheric setting.
Each day at 10am, 12pm & 2pm The Huka Dam sluice gates are opened to produce a torrent of water through the rapids below the dam. Colin was keen, so we set our itinerary to be there by 10.00am. On the way C&S were able to see Huka Falls (driving is easier than walking folks) and the "Lava Glass Studio" which has a garden with glass sculptures and, of course, a cafe. We drop in to see the glass but have to leave to get to the dam on time. Just as we arrive a siren starts to wail, so Colin & Kathy are off and racing to see the water start to pour down the sluice. Gradually the water fills the pool below the dam and the ravine starts to pump.
Back at the glass workshop, Tony takes a fancy to some red tumblers so the shop arranges for them to be posted. On the strength of the purchase we get free entry to the "Garden." Lots of fantastic shapes, all in glass.
With a short detour to try to see some last thermal pools we hit SH5 to bypass Taupo and head around the south shore of Lake Taupo. About an hour later we are climbing as we drive along SH47 and then turn south to climb up the lower slopes of Mount Ruapehu. We just had to take it on trust that the mountain was there 'cause we couldn't see it through the rain and low cloud. Then Chateau Tongariro appeared out of the mist. Opened in 1929 the Chateau has had a checkered past but despite the fact that some areas have been recently renovated, it retains it's 1930's charm with rich drapes, chandeliers and large open fires.
We are a little early to check in, so we have lunch in the lounge. Just a "sandwich" rather than the High Tea that others around us were having. We have booked a table in the Raupehu Restaurant for this evening and don't want to spoil our appetites. The rain continues to fall through the afternoon, so we read, take a sauna and swim in the indoor heated pool, or check out the private cinema that just happens to be showing "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
Our 2 bedroom apartment is in a separate building to the main hotel but is comfortable, warm, and the washer/dryer gets a workout.
The main event of the day is dinner in the Raupehu Restaurant. We posh up, Tony even wears a jacket, and we have cocktails in the lounge, in front of the fire. Excellent! Then into the restaurant where several large tables of Chinese tourists are just finishing their meal. Our waiter, Brian, seems a little hesitant which we put down to inexperience. Brian was very helpful through the evening but it was clear that he was not quite on top of everything. Luckily when more experienced staff came out with the food, any issues of missing cutlery etc. were immediately picked up. The food was good, if not outstanding, and we smiled at some of Brian's little quirks. Back to the lounge for coffees, we all agreed that it had been a great night in a very atmospheric setting.
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