450km South (by car) from Auckland, Lake Taupo is actually a volcano crater and the largest lake in New Zealand - 616km2 or to put that into perspective, twice the size of the Isle of Wight!
The main reason for visiting was for me to join Jan on his surprise birthday gift - White Water Kayking. We spent almost 2 hours riding the grade 2/3 rapids of the Tongariro river.
We were told to expect to fall into the water a lot. But, after navigating the earlier, harder rapids without much trouble we both thought we could reach the end without taking a dip.
So of course we didn't. Well, I didn't. On a rather innocuous piece of water I managed to clip a submerged rock and flip the kayak. A rude awakening I must say. The current soon dragged me into the next rapid and I spent what seemed like an eternity getting bumped against rocks; my hands getting colder all the while.
Finally, with the guides steadying the kayak I was able to pull myself back in. A little battered and bruised, I would later find out I was cut in a few places too. Still not time to dwell on the aches as the next rapid was soon upon us..!
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While Jan & I were mucking around on the water, Amanda & Matylda took the chair life up Mount Ruapehu, one of the worlds most active volcanoes and NZ largest - not sure Amanda knew that before the ascent! All the more surprising given that it has a cafe on top!!
At they top they completed the 1.5 hour Skyline Ridge Walk, a tough walk on scree where they gained 300m in altitude. After Snowdon it is probably the hardest walk Amanda has done - not helped by the scorching heat.
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To reward their efforts, Jan & I cooked up dinner beside Lake Taupo - all washed down with a rather nice Pinot Noir :0)
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