A weekend in Taupo ....

.... which is located at the lake of the same name - the largest inland lake in New Zealand - .

Before heading to Taupo, we visited several wineries in the Hawke's Bay region - which also includes Napier - and did some 'necessary' shopping there.

We arrived in Taupo early in the afternoon and to relax, we went to the Hot Water Beach: Although Lake Taupo is a mountain lake, the temperature along its shores is often very pleasant. Why? Beneath Taupo, there are numerous geothermal springs that not only warm a power plant, a shrimp farm, and free and thermal baths but also provide Lake Taupo with tolerable temperatures. We enjoyed our homemade dinner by the lakeshore and admired the spectacular sunset.

Late in the evening, we looked up at the sky and for the first time on our trip, we got to marvel at a star-filled southern sky.

The following day was again packed: Farmers' market, Huka Falls, Aratiatia Rapids, Lava Glass, Wairakei Terraces, and finally Jolly Good Fellows were our stops.