New Zealand: Part 4

Lake Taupo. What I imagine to be the southern hemisphere's version of the Mediterranean. It was gorgeous and we visited on the most beautiful day of the whole two weeks we spent in New Zealand.

Lake Taupo is otherwise known as a resort town. Since we were visiting during their summer time, the place was packed. People in flowy dresses, Ray Bans, and large sun hats. The lake was as blue as can be and the sky showed up to match. The lake was, at one time, the crater of a volcano. Apparently it is 66 miles long and about 600 feet deep. Quite impressive, especially with the view of Tongariro National Park and Mount Ruapehu (also known as Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings) in the distance.

We took a sail boat cruise around part of the lake, which was ah-mazing. The sky was so blue and the breeze was warm and cool all at the same time. While cruising on the lake, we could look around to the other sides and see a few different weather patterns forming, but the sky over the lake was crystal clear. Clouds over Mount Doom, rain over the town of Taupo, sun over the lake. Ah-mazing. Part of the sail took us over to some stone carvings (not historic or ancient, unfortunately) and we were allowed to go swimming. I took a pass and stayed with my poor, tired baby on the boat. One of the best things we did in New Zealand, in my opinion!

Before we hit the sailboat, we drove up the road a bit to Huka Falls... a very impressive and violent set of rapids. We didn't have too much time to walk around, but what we did see was beautiful. We all couldn't get over just how blue the sky was and how amazingly crystal the water was. Just beautiful. There's a little video of the falls in there too, so you can get an idea for yourself!

Our boat: "Fearless."

My boys.

Love.

Looking back on the town of Taupo. Bobby and I hiked that volcano you see in the distance there later in our trip.

Nick and Benjamin.

Oh boy. I love this baby.

"Mount Doom" in the distance there. You can't see the top because clouds were in the way, but it had snow on it! My pictures do not do this view justice. The scale was impossible for me to capture.

You can see the change in weather pattern here... it was raining over the town but perfectly sunny where we were in the lake!

Life is but a dream.

The carvings.

More carvings in the rocks. Can you spot the lizard?!

Nestled in the lakeside hills were several homes, many of which are owned by NZ architects and other wealthy people. The homes were incredible and extremely modern. In another life, I'd live here.

Love this picture of Joey!

The three brothers (not in age order): Nick, Joey and Bobby.