New Zealand - day 3

We had a great full breakfast at the Prince's Gate Hotel before getting on the road.

We went to Wai-o-tapu thermal wonderland next. I told myself I wouldn't complain in my posts but this is a huge complaint. So I'll skip it for now and you can read it at the end of this post...

We then drove south to Huka falls. But instead of just parking at the falls lot, we parked down across the camping area and walked through a redwood forest before seeing the falls. The redwood were coastal Sequoias from California but they grow much faster in the New Zealand environment. It was a delight to walk through these trees. 

The waterfall was big. But very crowded with tourists. 

Finally, we drove to Tongariro. First we passed Lake Taupo which was beautiful!

The view of the mountains were amazing! I didn't expect the snow cover. Truly breathtaking. 

We're staying at Skotel Alpine Lodge in room 211 which is supposed to be the best - this is the view from the room.

Can't wait for tomorrow!

The complaining part:

We went to Wai-o-tapu thermal wonderland because it was reported to have the most colorful geothermal pools. It also touted a geyser that went off everyday at 10:15am. We were just on time for that so we went there first. Supposedly there was a presentation starting at 9:45. Well, we got there around 9:30 and got a front row seat and waited. The steam from the geyser area waxed and waned but didn't do much else. There was definitely no water shooting out. We were chatting with the people sitting next to us and we joked about coke and menthos causing a shooting stream and how we should throw some mentos in. Well, 10:15 came and went, and no change in activity. Then at 10:17 a lady came and told a story about how some convicts accidentally dropped some soap into this area and it caused an eruption. Ultimately, they poured some powder in and the area frothed and eventually shot out bubbly water. Biggest rip off ever!! Such a complete waste of time!! Don't go see this! Lady Knox Geyser is a total con!!

The rest of the park was nice to walk through. Only the first part was very colorful but I would have enjoyed the whole thing if it wasn't for the fraudulent geyser!!!!

Also, way too many tourists.