After the somewhat strenuous Alpine Crossing, we moved on next day to Lake Taupo, NZ largest lake. A warm sunny day, we stopped for lunch by the lake. A beautiful place with every water activity imaginable. The campsite had a lovely swimming pool so we relaxed for the remainder of the day, finishing up with a BBQ in the evening sunshine. Next day off to the famous Waitoma Caves on the west side of the island. Another great trip which included a visit to the Huka Falls where the mighty river Waikato powers through a gap only about 15m wide. Next stop en route we found a walk through the forest to an 1800 yr old Totara tree. Huge specimen of 4m diameter. Booked in at Waitomo Caves site then went on to see three natural wonders, Marakopa Falls, Piripiri Cave and the amazing double limestone natural bridge which forms part of a huge canyon that included fossil remains of oysters, to prove that many yrs ago this island was under the Pacific Ocean. 3 great natural sites and not a penny was charged to visit them!