North Island Highlights.

Tongariro National Park. We stayed at Tokaanu, by Lake Taupo, so that we could walk the "Tongariro Crossing" but the weather was against us. Mt.Ruapehu (as seen in 'Lord of the Rings') So we climbed to the Tama crater lakes instead, for views the mountains.

Lake Taupo Upper Lake Tama

Aratiatia Dam We got to the Aratiatia gorge just in time for the daily opening of the dam - with a deafening roar, the empty gorge fills with the water which most of the time is diverted to generate hydro-electric power.

Orakei Korako

We saw much volcanic action in the areas between Taupo and Rotorua. Colourful terraces, mud pools and geysers.

The spectacular Pohutu geyser at the Whakawerawera reserve was worth the 20 minutes we had to wait for it to perform.

Rotorua The Maoris were demonstrating against changes in law over sea-shore ownership, and we came across their warriors leading a march in Rotorua, wearing many tattoos and not much else!

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