Another great day today. The day started around 8am in Taupo. After a quick breakfast, we walked down to the boat pier and started inquiring about trout fishing options for the day. We ran into this boat operator that had not intended on taking any clients today. He was going to change his oil on the boat and then go back and work on his bathroom in his home that was being remodeled.
After a little persuading, we were headed out for a 2 hour guided fishing tour for rainbow trout. We could not have asked for better luck. Between Greg and I, we caught 7 fish in the 2 hours - 4 of which were keepers (all over 3 pounds a piece). Fantastic. This was my first experience with a guided fishing outfit --- a success.
The guide bagged our biggest catch and we walked into town and asked one of the local restaurants to cook it up for us, This is a common procedure in Taupo. The restaurant baked the trout, included potatoes, carrots, salad --- all for around $25. Not bad. We left the fish with the restaurant and took a quick drove over to Haku Falls. This is an incredible site with moving rapids through a narrow gorge in the river. We took some pics and headed back for our meal. A great lunch overlooking the northern section of Lake Toupo -- eating the very same 3-4 pound rainbow trout I had caught just 1 hour earlier.
After lunch, we decided to take a drive down to Napier and Hawkes Bay. It's a 1.5 hour trip due south to the eastern coastline of the north island. Spectacular views along the 2 lane road leading to Napier. Green, lush, rolling hills - dotted with sheep and cattle grazing the landscape. This is what I though about in the past when it came to New Zealand. Today - these views - it became reality.
The city of Napier, in addition to being along the coastline, is known for its wineries and art deco buildings and homes. A neat town. We took a walk along the city center streets, headed out to the beach, and took in one of the central parks in the downtown. The afternoon was fading away and we had some ground to make up. Therefore, we headed north for a lengthy drive to our location we're staying at this evening -- Tarangua.
A dinner off the waterfront and then an early evening. Until tomorrow -- keep it going!
Greg - 1st catch
KB - lunch food
Haku Falls
Scenery on drive to Napier
Napier & Hawkes Bay
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