Day 9 Rotorua to Palmerston North

Woke early and decided to make our way to the Blue and the Green Lake before heading to Palmerston North.

Unfortunately the morning was not going to grant us these amazing views of the lake, but we were granted wonderful deep misty views over the lakes and the remains of the heavy hail/snow/ice storm from the prior afternoon. So we did not feel cheated at all. Though it was cool, it was fascinating and enjoyed being outdoors.

Finally we made our way to Taupo. Mad Betty “GPS navigator” decided she wanted to send us via Napier/Hastings, so we decided against her wishes and made our way back to the township of Taupo. Guess it was meant to be, for we finally found a very warm jacket for Terry at the handsome price of $30. Wow, we were over the moon. Went to look at some falls out of town, had breakfast at a not so nice place, but food is food when you are hungry.

So another long drive as we headed south on SH1 (Desert Highway). Talk about a change of scenery. From the well accustomed rolling green hills, vast farmlands, cattle sheep grazing, we now experienced a totally vast new landscape of various tussock grasses and quite brown scenery. The two mountains dominated the landscape: Mount Ruapehu – 2590m and Mount Tahurangi 2797m were still covered in snow and begged us to stop and photograph.  A large part of the Desert Highway is Army Training Grounds on both sides and off limits.

Then suddenly the countryside changed once again.   Back to green, but trees and vegetation maybe not as prolific as further north.  Less flowers on the roadside but the further we drove south the hills and valleys returned once again.  Mad Betty decided to take us on another very scenic country area to our new abode. I think it was a different loop, but scenic all the same and glad we took it.  For straight highway travels can be quite boring. It was lovely and had huge escarpments which appeared to have been eroded by the river. Not sure, we will have to investigate that with the locals.

Tried to find a bite to eat for our evening meal.  We really did not feel like heading out once again.  Went into Palmerston North and of course trying to find a place was stressful with the chaos of city late afternoon traffic.  Oh we are such country bumpkins!

Finally we headed to our B&B and what a haven this magical part of this world is. A little way out of Palmerston North city (thank goodness).  The gardens are something to be seen and absolutely amazing with a home that is just an architect’s dream. Ingrid & Aaron are of course excellent hosts and delightful.  Terry stayed up a wee bit chatting, whilst I tried to upload photographs.  Then we showered and snuck into this gorgeous comfy bed.  Yum we were going to be in for a yummy night’s sleep.