It would have taken us 4 hours to drive from Te Manga Station to Lake Taupo.

Lake Taupo is a lake situated in the North Island of New Zealand. With a surface area of 616 sq kilometres, it’s the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand and the largest freshwater lake by surface area in Oceania. More information on Lake Taupo at Wikipedia here >

Flying seems to be a faster alternative. My first helicopter experience.

I am totally afraid of heights.
It gets a little bumpy on the helicopter when wind is strong.

Our journey to Lake Taupo, being my first ride ever was hell.
Everytime the helicopter bounces, I squeeze on tight to my Dad’s arm.

Despite the bouncy ride, we got some fantastic views.
It reminds me very much of my Sim’s neighbourhood or if you are into Sim City, you will find the city scape real cool.

At the end of my terrible first helicopter ride, my Dad was complaining about his painful arm.

We have (from left to right) Angie, Me, Helen, Ron and Dad.

We checked into an amazing hotel by the lake.
Millennium Hotels & Resorts.

The lounge.

Their heated pool and a jacuzzi bath tub in my suite.
Fantastic.

Each suite comes with an outdoor balcony facing the lake.
We were on the 2nd floor.

It’s bubble bath time.

Views from the balcony.
Having clear blue sky during the day and a nice sunset end of the day.

While the rest went trout fishing the next morning, Helen and I visited the Huka Falls.

The Huka Falls are the largest falls on the Waikato River.
They are the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand.

The Waikato River is one of New Zealand’s longest rivers and it drains Lake Taupo – the largest fresh water lake in all of Australasia.

I love the sun because it loves me too.

It’s time for a little lunch.
I had a Low Carb Pumpkin and Spinach Quiche together with some greens and carrot salad.

The sun is shinning up high, had a skinny ice latte to cool the heat.
Delicious.

Walked around the city for a bit.

Hot nutz anyone?
Ok, actually this vending machine didn’t work.
No nutz for me.

We went for a little grocery shopping.
I miss big markets like Woolworths and Tesco.

We were at Woolworths aka Wollys’.

They have a huge variety of everything.
Below, on your left, a wide variety of cheese. On your right, many fresh fruits to choose from.

They even have Indomie Mi Goreng.

On our last night at Lake Taupo, we had the most wonderful meal so far.
Indian food.

We ordered at least 6 different curries.
From masala to vindaloo.
It was so yummilicious and spicy.

I bet we all miss spicy food overseas.

Dad was sweating like mad.

That’s all at Lake Taupo.

I had great views out my suite.
Although it is a lake but woow, it seems like the sea that is greeting me every morning and night.

The feeling is beautiful.

While driving, I spotted a few Bungee Jumping and Sky Diving sites.
I would love to try.

One day.

Read more of my trip to New Zealand.
15 Hours Of Travel
Te Manga Station