At last

Finally we have a weekend away. Our last couple of weekends away have felt a bit like work (probably because I was preaching) so no notes were kept. We decided to go to Hamilton and walk around the lake before a nice lunch at the cafe then off to overnight at Lake Ngaroto. This was a new freedom camping spot for us and we are so glad we found it.

This is the largest peat lake in Waikato and located just 5 mins north west of Te Awamutu. It is a natural wetland and the 5.5km track around the lake was very easy although we did it the next morning in very cold temperatures on a somewhat frosty boardwalk!

It seems a popular place for dog walkers, boaties, cyclists and campers although plenty of room. We had a nice chat with a homeless guy who normally stays st Karapiro. We were keen to make him dinner or coffee or a blanket but he was very comfortable in his car and not worried about the cold.

After our walk we decided it was such a beautiful day that we should find a spot to view Ruapehu so off we went to Taupo. We came in to the town from a different angle to normal so missed the lookout and found ourselves in the middle of the main street with hordes of people everywhere and a change in the road layout to last time.

It didn't take long for me to say, let's get out of here and head back out to the lookout. It seems we had arrived in the middle of a marathon or similar. The lookout was a great place to make our toasted sandwich and enjoy spectacular views.

Eventually we meandered into the Huka Honey Hive centre and bought the inevitable ice cream sundae - our regular treat from here. We love staying here overnight. $5 that goes to charity, safe and quiet. No other vans and a cosy night waking up to - 2 degrees. I think we are getting our head around the complicated diesel heater and it worked a treat.

I sneaked a peak out the window and saw the surreal scenery. Very quickly it was, get dressed, get moving, the lake will be awesome! Off we went to the lake to take photos and join the other strong walkers in the freezing cold.

We had breakfast at Cafe Baku and Tony looked around the market we had conveniently parked outside. A stop off at Huka Falls and another one st Lake Rotorua then two tired but contented people headed home.Læs mere