25/26Dec06 The Journey Begins at Taupo

The first night, Christmas Day/Boxing Day was spent on the water front at Taupo. No overnight parking is permitted however I have never been there when there hasn't been a number of motorhomes staying over night. On this occassion there must have been eight or more staying overnight.

After waking up to a million, most probably a billion, dollar view of Lake Taupo it's time to be off for a modest adventure. Each morning, those that we planned travelling, we would take off and stop for breakfast on the way.

Not far out of Taupo we stopped for breakfast at the historic Opepe Reserve. All the other pics are video - must find time to edit and attach. Breakfast at this very exclusive open air restaurant was superb.

The Napier/Taupo highway was ideal for driver No.2 to get in some practice before heading into the hills not long after the Waipunga Falls - below.

The Waipunga Falls. Quite nostalgic, many years tramping and hunting throughout this area that includes the Whirinaki, Toe Toe hut and more. Follow the forestry roads and you'll end up at Murupara, Te Whaiti and Minganui. Real New Zealand forest at the very southern end of the Ureweras. Anyway this is our last stop before meeting the East coast at Haumoana......