Tongariro - Taupo - Napier

After Rotorua we traveled further south. On our way to Tongariro national park we made a quick stop at Huka falls (massive waterfall):

Since the weather was great we decided to do the famous Tongariro alpine crossing, which is considered one of the worlds best one day walks. The 20 km long trek starts at the base of  a volcano and takes you through volcanic terrain full of craters, lakes and lava rocks.

We continued our way south to Napier - the art deco capital of the world, where we enjoyed a few warm days after cold weather in the mountains. 

Night shot of lake Tutira.

Waipatiki beach

Napier aquarium

Napiers "six sisters"

 Google Napier for more photos - we were too lazy to take them. On our way back north we stopped at lake Taupo and took a boat ride to the famous Maori carvings.

Random camp photo on our way to Northland.

From Coromandel to Bay of Plenty

Since we are very traveling we did not update for some time. Here are some photos of places that we visited and their description.

At Hot Water Beach you can dig your own hot pool at low tide.

Digging up hole at the wrong spot.

Second try - found the right spot. The walls protect the pool fortress from the cold waves.

Karangahake gorge is a previous gold mine, where you can walk trough dark tunnels and swing bridges.

Picnic spot.

Large Kauri tree

 Leaving Coromandel peninsula we went to sunny Tauranga where we climbed mount Maunganui.

Next stop - Rotorua, full of stinky sulfur farts due to underground geothermal activity.

A view of the town and a large lake.

Maori village - notice the gas coming out of the river.

Maori butt carving.

Lady Knox geyser.

Private secret hot pool - we were the only ones there.

Mud pools making funny fart noises.

Steamy jungle

Steam is coming out of  98 degree boiling pool of water