14 February 2013
The drive from Matamata to Taupo took us most of the day with several stops. Lunch usually involves setting up our dining spot with plastic storage boxes and chairs, and then boiling the kettle on the Trangia stove. Like a couple of old people parked by the side of the road at home!
As we arrived at Taupo we stopped at the top of hill above the town. Here you can see the lake and the three active volcanoes at Tongariro national park in the background.
We had heard of a nice free camping area on the river just outside Taupo called Reids Farm. We set up there for the night with the tent less than 2 meters from the river.
Although a busy spot Graham thought that it was worth trying to catch dinner. He got a bite almost straight away, but not quite big enough to feed two hungry campers!
Despite his best efforts we had to cook a pasta dish instead!
Tomorrow we are heading to the west coast to meet the family who had planned to drive through China with us in 2011. Them in Landy and us in Troopy!
15th February 2013
In the morning we went into Taupo town to catch up with a few e mails and when parking, noticed that the rear tyre was low. The route across to New Plymouth takes you through some remote areas and so decided to play it safe and get it repaired straight away, rather than just pump it up and monitor it. The route we took was:
Route 1 to Turangi, 41 to Taumarunui and then from Mangaparo we took the 40 to Ahititi. Part of this was unsealed but in good condition.
Along the way we met a farmer moving part of his 3500 Romsey flock.
Once at Ahititi we joined the route 3 and the found our way to Waiiti Beach where we were meeting our friends.
It was a lovely spot and they had invited us to stay in the bach (cabin) in real beds! A great treat after a couple of weeks in a small tent with carry mats. In the picture below you can just see the bach in the trees, near centre.
Lew set up the BBQ as soon as we arrived and treated us to meat of every description, washed down with beer and wine …. thank you both for your hospitality!!
Tomorrow we are planning to do very little.
troopytracks 