Today, on our last “fun day” of our two week road trip, we took a Kayak tour of Lake Taupo. Actually just a small part of the lake since it’s about as big as Tahoe. We paddled 16 kilometers round trip out to an amazing Maori stone carving on a sheer rock cliff. We forgot the battery to the camera so here’s a photo from out of their brochure.

Stone carvings on the wall at Lake Taupo. These are not ancient-they were done in the 1970's, but were done by a Maori master carver and are exquisitely rendered. The only way you can see them is by boat.

Later in the day, we went for a hike up the river past Huka Falls and this beautiful black swan came over to see us

Waikato river above Huka Falls

In the afternoon we took a final hike upriver from Huka Falls and then set off northbound heading back toward Whangarei and Charisma. We’re in Hamilton tonight where we started our trip and tomorrow a final four hour drive puts us home.

Then…one week from tomorrow- The Wedding!

Stay tuned.

That was what Ann DIDN’T say when the mouse ran across her forehead about midnight at the Homestay house we stayed at in Napier. One of the owner’s cats brought it in and it wanted to visit us in the middle of the night. Ann was terribly brave and I immediately put my shoes on! We tried to catch it, but ultimately solved the problem of a mouse in the room by putting a plate of cheese outside the door and went back to sleep. The cheese was gone in the morning.

Other than that (which anyone with cats can understand), we had a great time at the Homestay. Kind of like a B&B where you just stay in the home. Incredible view of Hawke’s Bay, wonderful hosts and a great room. Highly recommended!