Day 8 – Monday

Breakfast in Taupo and first stop: Huka Falls

We had a relaxed start to the day with breakfast at the Garden Café in Taupo—highly recommended, and it didn’t disappoint. Well-fed and energized, we headed to our first destination: the nearby Huka Falls.

The weather was perfect, and the short walk from the parking area to the viewing platform was peaceful. The falls themselves are incredibly powerful—not because of their height, but because of the sheer volume of water rushing through the narrow gorge. Over 220,000 liters per second cascade over the rocks, creating a thunderous roar and a misty spray. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a stunning natural setting and definitely worth a visit.

Exploring the “Craters of the Moon”

Next, we drove to the Craters of the Moon, a geothermal walkway just outside Taupo. The loop takes about an hour and leads through a surreal landscape of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and crater-like formations. The area formed in the 1950s due to geothermal activity linked to nearby power stations, and it’s constantly changing. It felt like walking through another world—quiet, eerie, and fascinating.

Jet Boat adventure and lunch at the Shrimp Farm

Before heading toward Rotorua, we wanted to see the Huka Falls from below—so we booked a ride on a jet boat. But first, we stopped for lunch at the nearby Shrimp Farm

The jet boat ride was a real thrill. Our driver clearly enjoyed spinning the boat at high speed, and we got incredibly close to the base of the falls. You could feel the power of the water all around. Pooh decided to skip the ride, and Viator felt a bit queasy afterwards—the spins were definitely intense!

Wai-O-Tapu: A Geothermal Wonderland

On our way to Rotorua, we made one last stop at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. This geothermal park is famous for its vibrant colors, steaming lakes, and unique formations like the Champagne Pool and the Artist’s Palette. The walk through the park took us about 90 minutes, and every turn revealed something new—bright orange and green pools, bubbling mud, and sulfuric steam vents.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to complete the full loop, as the park was about to close. Still, the experience was unforgettable. Wai-O-Tapu is one of the most colorful and diverse geothermal areas in New Zealand, and it’s a must-see if you’re in the region.

Arrival in Rotorua and a cozy evening

We arrived in Rotorua just after sunset and checked into our hotel. Luckily, there was a lively area nearby with plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from. After some debate, we found a nice spot for dinner and enjoyed a relaxed meal with a cold beer.

Of course, the evening ended with our traditional card games. It had been a long and eventful day, and everyone was ready to fall into bed. Tomorrow, we’ll go rafting!!