We’ve arrived at the geographical centre of the North Island, by the shores of Lake Taupo. Which is quite a mass of water – as might be expected as it’s filling a caldera. Stats – volume 59 km3, maximum depth 186m, 46km x33 km. By comparison, Loch Ness is 7.4 km3, maximum depth 230m, 36km x 2.7km. Might Nessie have a NZ relative?
Lake Taupo discharges into Waikato River, NZ’s longest river. This might explain the rapidity of the churning Huka Falls nearby – a hotspot for tourists and a diversion off today’s route.
The route followed alongside highways, sometimes on shadowing paths. Mainly not. The whole area is quite active – the Waiotaou geothermal pools bubble away in a mesmerising way, This geothermal resource has been used for more than 750 years by the Maoris – it translates as “Sacred Water”.
The Waikato geothermal power station appears – something to focus on other than the headwind! Cattle mosy along in a line to be milked somewhere: stopping to say “where are you going’?
Tomorrow to the simply named “National Park”: committee must have had a good lunch and couldn’t be arsed….
Travelling reflections 