NZ North Island Napier & Taupo

The ferry ride was uneventful and soon we were back on the north island heading to Napier.  Napier is an Art Deco Retro city restored to its 1930’s glory.  It was fun to walk about and we enjoyed a couple of relaxed days being tourists.

Our next destination was community of Taupo located in the lower central section of the North Island.  This was a fun stop for a number of reasons.  The campsite was right on the lake with million dollar views.  

It was Seniors day and there were discounts everywhere and if you are a Senior you know there are few enough benefits that accompany this station in life, so you grab them when you can.  We had fun and spent a whole day at a local health spa situated at a 5 star hotel located on acres of manicured grounds with palm trees and fountains galore.  There were a number of heated pools (each a different temp), whirlpools, Jacuzzi's, water slides and private baths…they had it all!    It was a very invigorating and relaxing day and we enjoyed it immensely.

We also enjoyed a fun lake cruise on the Ernest Kemp Steamboat to the Maori rock carvings. 

The story of the rock carving of Ngatoroirangi begins with the artists grandmother.  Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert of Ngati Tuwharetoa asked her grandson (Matahi Whakataka Brightwell) to create a likeness of her ancestor Ngatoroirangi on a Totara tree to create a permanent connection for her family to the land.  When Matahi arrived in Taupo, there was no Totara tree to carve, so he journeyed onto the lake for inspiration.  The rock alcove at Mine Bay became his canvas.