Gas=Petrol

From Lake Taupo

The metric system has invaded my life.

It's been a while since my last post so I apologize for the lengthy gap. As I sit here and write I realize that due to the time that has elapsed since me experiencing these events, my recollection may not be as detailed as I would like it to be or that you have grown accustomed to. With that said, I'm going to sort of bullet point my way through the rest of our stay in New Zealand.

Lake Taupo was a great place. Think Lake Tahoe but not as cold and with extreme sports replacing gambling. We took a long hike along the falls river, created by the damned lake. It was magnificent and my words can in no way do it justice. I've posted picts (Link on the top right of page) so you can really get a feel for it. Along the river and even throughout the center of the north island of NZ are hot springs. We jumped in the cold river and then into the nearby spring. The hot springs were just warm, but really hot. I know, duh. What did I expect?

After the best Thai food I've ever had, we happened on Lake Taupo Bungy. We witnessed a few blokes (guys) swan dive off and dip just there heads in the water below. Not one ounce of me had any remote interest in doing that. Much less paying to do that.

That night we ended up in Rotorua, home of the Lord Of the Rings' Shire. The following day we were amped to take the Hobbit tour, but our campsite manger and local, advised us not to waste our time or hundred bucks. We stayed lakeside that night and jetted for the north coast the next morning.

Traversing the north island in two days (most through its guts) and not having surfed in almost a week, I was ready for some beach time. Our goal, Coromandal, recommended by many, was a far drive so we stopped short in favor of sun and sand. We hit up Maketu Beach, no surf. Then onto Papamoa Beach, no surf. Then settled in Waihi Beach. A quiet little surf town with a pimp Top 10 park on the beach.

Now we'd really wanted to stay here for a while, but when we called to extend the car rental, they denied us. So we only stayed one night. Good news was I was able to get a surf in the day we arrived and before we left. Fun waist high waves and relatively warm water.

We even gave a Swiss couple, who spoke no English, a ride home in the rain from the Pizza Palour.

Having become accustomed to the road, by the time we got to Auckland, Susanna and I already decided that we'd rent another car and go back to Peha for the remaining two night in NZ. Albert backpackers was not were I wanted to wrap up my trip.

We get to Peha and it's just as gorgeous as I remember. Although, this time the waves are pumping... 10-12ft. Unfortunately, thier costline is relatively flat so there isn't any escaping huge surf or strong winds around a cliff or bend in the road. We wait it out and spend the night in an overpriced balsawood box. It was a nice enough campsite, but we weren't equipped with the emenities that the usual visitor has, ie: blankets and pillows. The manager, a bloke from Alaska helped us out and scrounged together what he could. That nught sucked and Sus and I weren't too excited about doing it again and paying $60 for it.

The next day we hiked up to a nearby waterfall and ran across "Peha Beach Stay". An awesome place with every included emenity you'de need. Jeff, the guy who runs the place is a local lifeguard and extremely nice guy. We were all too happy to leave our old digs behind. Surf was still out of control, so we made outselves at home and packed for our flight the next afternoon.

One last chance to surf. Thank goodness the swell cooperated. The winds had switched and the size had dropped enough to actually form some solid lines. One of 4 when I paddled out and it was firing! Hollow peaks and breaking really fast. Sort of a "Black's Beach" at low tide with just as much punch. A couple of the guys had it wired. After not surfing regularly for a while and then jumping right into stand up barrels, needless to say, it took me a few to get into rhythm. (including one "off the top ropes") I ended up with some good ones under my belt and a smile on my face. A nice send off from New Zealand. I'll definitely be back.