Lake Taupo was caused by a “Big Bang” created by a super volcanic eruption which occurred approximately 26,500 years ago. This was known as the Oruanui eruption. The bang blew a 660square km hole in the earth and sent ash flying all over the world, even China felt the blast. It ejected an estimated 1170 cubic kilometres of material and caused several hundred square kilometres of surrounding land to collapse and form the caldera. The caldera later filled with water, eventually overflowing to cause a huge outwash flood. Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in Australasia, and is approximately the size of Singapore. It is a well known fishing destination, and for the cost of a fishing licence, fisher folk can try their luck with catching both brown trout and rainbow trout all year round.
View of Lake Taupo
Huka Falls is always a draw card for tourists, and we joined the bus loads there today for another look at this turbulent bit of water. This is actually the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, and it has carved a channel about 15m wide. About 200,000 litres of water plunge over the rock face every second, creating a dangerous undertow which has claimed the boats of many people who try to navigate the falls. Upstream, the river is clear, but after plunging over the falls it picks up masses of tumbling air bubbles which creates the beautiful blue colours.
Huka Falls
Next stop was the Huka Honey Hive, and interesting place with live beehives to check out, and honey tastings. Did you know that New Zealand has over 400,000 beehives? We didn’t either, till we visited the Honey Hive. Robin loves honey, but it is getting so expensive these days, probably due to the varroa mite which infests and kills bee hives. We came away with a large jar of Rewa Rewa honey for him, and a bottle of lemon, ginger and honey drink for her. Lovely stuff!
Our (expensive) purchases from the Honey Hive
Here is proof that autumn has now arrived in Taupo – just look at the gorgeous colours of these trees. Daylight saving has only just finished, and it is surprising how the temperatures have dropped. The generator is currently running, and we are charging up the lap top, the cell phone, the camera, and have the electric blankets on high to warm up the beds, even though it is no where near bed time. It was so cold last night, camping here with out power, that I went to bed rugged up like an Eskimo! Perhaps a nightcap of a hot lemon, honey and ginger toddy will help me feel warmer tonight.
Autumn colours on the trees down town
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