5/3/2008 Traveling to Taupo

We checked out by 10 AM, met the ferry and enjoyed a beautiful morning ride across the Straits of Tamaki with a beautiful view of Auckland before landing back at Half Moon Bay to begin our trek south. After lunch at a McDonald's (no less) on the highway, we picked up some maps and brochures and decided to go to Taupo rather than Rotorua since it looked a little less "touristy" and closer to the mountains (where we could explore!) The drive was about 4 hours and took us to a lovely lakeside area with lots of places to choose from right at the edge of Lake Taupo and surrounded by mountains. We picked a lovely 2 room suite with a view of the lake and it's own thermal water (from the geothermal activity in the area) spa pool right on the deck and a big comfy king size bed! We were in heaven (or at least, I was!!!)