View of OTHER people doing bungy.
View along the MTB trail today.
The geyser today.
Zorbing (yesterday)
Cathedral Island, yesterday morning.
Zorbing (yesterday)
Cathedral Island, yesterday morning.
Skydiving was called off due to weather, which actually disappointed me more than I thought it would given all the encouragement I got to do it from friends who had read the blog. I think I will return and do it by myself; I'm sure the view is spectacular.
We had another great day of mountain biking on a trail that led into Taupo. Technical enough to be a lot of fun and challenging without the need to ever hop off the bike and walk. They do an amazing job keeping the trails clear and there are never any fallen trees. Simply amazing views the whole way too -- an even better ride than yesterday.
Also saw some mud pools, a geothermal power plant, and a geyser, all outside of Rotorua in the morning. They DoC people "activated" the geyser by pouring soap down it!
We had the opportunity to do bungy, but I couldn't pull myself to do it. The view of the canyon down which people jumped, however, was amazing! It just looks too scary too me, and I'm still not great with heights.
In Taupo I found a backpacking quick-dry towel that was cheap so I purchased that for the future.
I also discovered that in Wellington (which we reach in 2 days), the guides will be switching out, so I'll have different guides for the trip North to Auckland and beyond. Will be nice to have a fresh perspective.
Dinner tonight was grilled lamb chops - simply delicious! Had laughs with the guides and also some other people in the group who I've become good friends with.
Tomorrow we wake early to do the Tongariro Crossing, the most famous daywalk in NZ - hopefully the weather will cooperate. After this guided trip, I plan on returning to Turangi and doing the Tongariro Northern Circuit, a 3 or 4 day trip which will offer a slower look at things around here. Then I think I'll head to Wellington (southern end of the North Island), do some planning, then catch the ferry and start on the South Island.
-Brian
Brian, it sounds like you are having a most delightful time. If you get the chance, do the skydiving. You will regret it later if you do not. It really isn't that scary, once you are up in the plane. I am sure you are missing the 30 degree weather here. :-/
ReplyDeleteBrian, I'm sure you can have a great time without jumping out of any airplanes, don't ya think? Mom is absolutely sure of it. Perhaps catching a cricket match or a day of birdwatching would be just as satisfying? Just a suggestion...
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