The hot springs at Spa Park has little waterfalls, tiny pools, larger pools, and rivulets. Just make sure you get there early in the day, or go late, because it can be a party spot on weekend nights. This is one of my personal favorites in Taupo, and best of all, it's free! Mom and Pam enjoyed their foot soaks and we managed to get out before the party crowd moved in.
From November 3-20 Mac and I had the pleasure of hosting my Mom and Aunt Pam here. My joblessness at that time put me in the perfect position to take them both on a road trip through the lower and eastern North Island. They were up for almost anything, which made them awesome travel companions. There is far too much material from our 17 days together to post a play-by-play here, so I'm going to give you my TOP 5...but of course, this might be very different from their favorites, so if you see them you'll have to ask for their "Top 5". |
| 1. LAKE WAIKAREMOANA. Just learning how to pronounce the name of this lake took days. It is one of NZ's "Great Walks", and being a bit of a Type A personality, I've put all nine Great Walks on my bucket list. Mac and I have already done the Wanganui River, so this was my second Great Walk. It did not disappoint! Another reason why this hike was special is because it was the first time that either my mom or aunt went on an overnight backpacking trip. After learning that they were interested in doing a hike-in camping trip, I was determined to be their trail guide and make sure that they had a pleasant first experience. So I spoiled them a bit and carried a lot of weight for them, but that's okay, because it's good training for me and because now they're hooked and Mom is going to train up and come back and do the Milford Track with me next time. :) |
3. ROTORUA. We were here only for a few days, but we had a lovely time at the Polynesian Spa, where you can soak in different kinds of hot springs pools, and also did some fun hikes around Lake Rotorua: Okere Falls, Hanamura Springs, and the city park in all its bubbling mud and steaming vent glory. If you're planning on visiting, I suggest at least five days. I've visited Rotorua on three different trips now and want to go back, again and again! Below is the deep blue chasm where Hanamura Springs originates.
5. RIVER VALLEY. We drove through the mountain roads about two hours Northwest of Palmy to get to the rural area of Taihape. The main event was a horseback ride that took us through sheep and cow pasture. But it was also fun to see the lovely views and quaint farm towns along the way.
So that's my TOP 5. But I'll add one more thing: PIES. New Zealand has the most amazing PIES. Mac and I love them and we were wondering if others shared the same sentiment. Well, Mom and Pam sure did! We ate our way across the North Island until we couldn't bear the thought of any more puff pastry and savory, gooey filling. My favorite so far has been Thai Green Curry Chicken Pie. I've also loved Camembert Cranberry Chicken Pie and Mince Cheese Pie. Are you ready to come to NZ to eat some pies already?