Upsetting the weather fairy

Lake Taupo: a beautiful Lake in the middle of the northern island, surrounded by loads of things to do. When we first arrived, we had dreams of exciting outdoor adventures including hiking Tongarirro Crossing (aka Mt Doom) and sky diving over the lake. The weather had other plans for us however and forced us to call off our plans of jumping from planes until the rain cleared and fog lifted.

Unfortunate weather was the story of our brief stint in Taupo, pouring rain prevented us again from sky diving the following day and because the Tongarirro crossing would be closed for the next few days we decided to cut our losses and head down to Wellington, hoping to hit the crossing and skydiving with better weather on our way back up next week.

Overlooking the river leading to Huka Falls, outside of Taupo.

Before we left however, we had a brief stop at Huka falls. Here we enjoyed a run along the river, resulting in Brooke taking a wrong turn and running for nearly an hour before she realized she was not on a loop around the Falls. Luckily, she found some fellow backpackers that were heading back down to the mouth of the Falls and she was able to hitch a ride back to the car.

Talk about a pristine running trail eh?

The next morning, after a LONG drive in the pouring, and often near blinding rain, we enjoyed a leisurely day in Wellington with sites, a museum, a cable car ride, and of course, more good food.

Bree has made it her quest to eat curry in every country she visits, so far so good.

The Te Papau museum was huge and best of all free. We looked at only one floor, specializing in Maori history, where along with learning about history aspects, we were able to enjoy the displays, and further everyone's impressions of Americans as being obnoxious.

I think Bree may have found her dream hut. Take note boys.

Along with playing in and around the Maori displays, we also found our calling as being thugs. Check our super cool display of thug-ness.

Oh yes, we are flashing CA gang signs in New Zealand.

Wellington is a fabulous city. Though much smaller than American cities, it feels very metropolitan and is quite trendy. We had a good time shopping at the various stores around town and enjoyed the Botanic Garden in the city. My personal favorite in the gardens was the tire swing contraption in the childs play area. If only it had not been so dark and we had had one more person, we could have had a great time.

Good thing this child's play area did not have a height restriction, not that I would have paid attention, but anyway.

Wellington Pier

Wellington Harbor

For more pictures from New Zealand, click HERE.