Tag: Huka Falls

37. Taupo: Huka Falls – Aratiatia Rapids

Sunday, March 17: fine, warm, variable cloud

Tramping: 27.8 km

Donna’s

The alarm hadn’t been turned off so I was awake at 6:30, but was able to snooze for an hour or so. The next challenge was breakfast, managed to get everything together except for the toaster, so had a fried muffin instead of a toasted one.

Then a couple of slices of bread were prepared as sandwiches for the walk today, and with all the equipment on board (except for the PLB) I set off for the Aratiatia Rapids. Bit of a walk along the street to begin with, then through the Spa Thermal Park where a disc golf tournament was just beginning and then to the river where there is a freebie hot stream complete with café, toilets and changing rooms. The river has quite a strong current and I thought it might be a nice idea to float down the river a bit, if only for the falls. Read more…

29. New Plymouth: Coastal Walkway

Saturday, March 9: Sunny but a little cool to being with

Hiking: 16.8 km

Paul’s

Breakfast was very laid back. My Japanese co-inhabitant, Taro, was off surfing very early and returned as I was finishing some toast.

After that some shopping had to be done (fruit, something to put on some sandwiches, and some lemonade), then a visit to the i-site revealed two shuttles that would take me up and (hopefully) back down the mountain. Taranaki Mountain Shuttle, whose website I had seen yesterday and which is an absolute disaster is unfortunately the one I had to choose. I say unfortunately because communication is not their forte, and the other company (Mountain Shuttle/Cruise NZ tours) also has a later option for the journey up. In the course of the day I managed to arrange with the the gent from TMS via facebook that I will be picked up @ 7:00 from the nearest street corner and will still have to try to determine when I might be back. Read more…

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