Onwards to Taupo

Taupo was to be a short stop on my way to the south west of the North Island.

Between Rotorua and Taupo there is Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal system, having formed after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. The eruption created the valley and drastically reshaped the surrounding landscape. There is now a beautifully guided hiking trail that offers stunning views and close access to some of the geothermal features. Of course, I just had to take advantage of this opportunity.

About half an hour before reaching Taupo, I took a coffee break at the Lava Glass Café, which is both a café and a gallery/shop for glass artwork that is “Made in New Zealand and inspired by New Zealand” (https://lavaglass.com/). I could have spent hours there, just watching how the artist, Lynden Over, has put the colours and land- and seascapes of the country into his works of art. Sorry, no picture-taking was allowed.

Before checking in for the night I stopped at the Huka Falls.