High Speed Thrills

Imagine travelling 80kmph in this Towards this! That's what happens when you step into a Huka Falls Jet Taupo June 2010. Ajr www.hukafallsjet.com

Taupo Highlight

Huka Falls, Taupo. May 2007. Ajr

If you find yourself in and around Taupo, don't miss a visit to Huka Falls. This gorgeous frothing torrent of water is a result of the normally 100-metre wide Waikato River narrowing to just 15-metres as it gushes over a volcanic ledge. A spectacular 220,000 litres per second crash through the gorge creating one of the North Island's most visited waterfalls. There are paths along the river bank and a sturdy (thank goodness!) bridge crosses the torrent. It's all a little nerve-wracking if, like me, you have a fear of heights but opportunities abound for some spectacular photographs. (This, it should be noted, isn't one of them - I was in too much of a hurry to cross the bridge.) www.laketauponz.com www.hukafalls.com

Huka Magic

When I was travelling around New Zealand last year doing my research for the Frommers New Zealand travel guide, I stopped off at the internationally acclaimed Huka Lodge at Taupo. Perched right on the edge of the Waikato River just upstream from the beautiful Huka Falls (below image), it is a sublime escape. This top picture is the view you get from the very beautiful Owner’s Cottage balcony, looking across the infinity swimming pool to the river. Not a bad spot for a quiet moment is it! www.hukalodge.co.nz