NZ 21 North - Taupo to WAIHI Beach

Mon. Feb. 19th, 2007: Taupo - Craters of the Moon - Mt. Maunganui - WAIHI Beach.
After a small drive through the shopping center of TAUPO we drove out on Highway 1 to THE CRATERS OF THE MOON. There we walked 3/4 hours passing hot steaming wholes, craters and mudpools, existing there since 1950 after a geothermal powerstation changed the underground situation. Then we returned to the road to ROTORUA, where we stopped at the 'KIWI ENCOUNTER' - they try to raise up eggs and small Kiwi's, as their population is drastically being reduced by new enemies like stouts, possums, fretches and wiesels. After KIWI chicks passed their first weeks, they put them back to nature (chipped at their wings). Then we went on to TAURANGA, up to Mt. MAUNGANUI, and at splendid sunshine we walked around the mountain enjoying a nice view to the harbour and Bay Of Plenty. After a small turkish dinner (Kebab) we drove on to WAIHI Beach (again Holiday Park) where we ended that day with a nice walk along the near beach of WAIHI.