Start – Bulls
Finish – Taupo
Daily Distance – 0 km
TA Distance – off-trail
I was very glad for a late start today. Owing to a combination of wind and rain I didn’t sleep well, so
having the luxury of a lay-in (well 07:30 anyway) has been most welcome. When I did eventually emerge
from my tenty cocoon it was to bid Swiss Chris farewell and safe travels as he continues on his way to
Wellington and eventually Bluff.
It was then my turn to venture forth and rendezvous with the bus to Taupo. Naturally it was again running
on Kiwi time, so 40 minutes and 1 unplanned caramel slice later I eventually waved goodbye to Bulls.
One of the peculiar traits that has developed after months on the trail (other than the increasingly scary
beard) is that I now really love traveling in motor vehicles. I love the slowness of walking too, but it now
seems incredible how much can be seen when traveling at the speed of a bus or car. I was particularly
excited to see Tongariro national park for the first time from the bus window. All being well, later this
week I will be walking around those mountains, rather than just watching them slide by from afar. I really
can’t wait. After 2 months of trekking I’ll finally get to see some mountains!
But first operation Taupo. My first impressions are that it’s as beautiful as everyone says and at 17×25
miles “lake” Taupo is less a lake and really more of an inland sea. However, while it is beautiful, it is very
much a busy tourist town. Too many drunk Brits aside there is at least an unusually fine selection of
outdoor shops, so it’s not all bad. It has been very windy here this afternoon though, so I’m hoping it dies
down tomorrow or my jump may be cancelled. Fingers crossed though, I don’t really want to be kicking
my heels here for too long when I have mountains to walk round.
