Leaving Wellington for Lake Taupo Feb 7

Our last night in Wellington turned into a bit of a party - we had a farewell at Jo and Francois's place, fantastic. We were fed pork and lamb on the bbq and even sang a few songs. They were a lovely friendly couple and it was a fitting end to our time in Welly. Tuesday morning was Hugh's first day back at school after the summer holidays and although we were leaving for Taupo that day, we managed to fit in a visit to his school and to be there for the Powhiri - a welcome ceremony for all the children and families to the new school year. The kids were singing songs in Maori and dancing on the stage - brilliant. Then we hit the road for Lake Taupo - a 5 hour drive north. The scenery en route was magnificent - interspersed with huge fields of cattle and sheep. Then when we started driving through the volcanic plateau, the landscape was like nothing on earth. On the last leg to the holiday house there were even jets of steam rising out of the side of the hill, real indicators of the geothermal landscape below. The house on the lakeshore has spectacular panoramic views. Sinead and Rick and the kids had a swim in the lake that evening - they said it was warm but i wasnt tempted yet! Nan cooked a lovely fish dinner and we finished with pancakes. everyone was tired after the long day.

 Singing for Sinead's pal Jo

Emily, Nan and Nor on the deck at Jo and Francois' place

 Powhiri at Hugh's School (Muritai)