Taupo / Rotorua

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Wondering what that big ball rolling down the hill on the right is? It's a "Zorb". You get inside the Zorb and there's about 700 mm of air between you and the ground. This air cushion keeps you safe as you hurtle down the hill at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. The idea is that as the ball rolls around, you ("the Zorbonaut") becomes pinned to the inside, just like water inside a bucket being spun around your head. Zorbing is one of those adventurous ideas developed in New Zealand and has now been exported to various parts of the world.

Your choice - wet or dry?

The level of Lake Taupo is controlled to help manage the power generation from the Waikato River. Water is release from the Aratiatia Dam several times each day to restore and maintain the natural habitat further downstream - great sight!

Aratiatia Rapids - water rushed from this side

... and rapidly filled this side of the valley

The Pillars of Hercules are one of the most spectacular sights tucked away on the Turangi side of the Kaimanawa State Forest Park. The Pillars are a deep, sheer-sided rocky gorge through which the Tongariro River pours but where the track was accessible. Unfortunately the camera couldn't really do justice to the sight.

We also spotted some nice camping and picnic spots along the way - next time perhaps?

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Waikato Falls (near Poutu Intake), Kaimanawa Forest Park

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Waikato Falls (near Poutu Intake), Kaimanawa Forest Park