Waterfalls, moon landscapes, and Legolas

To be honest, I don't know where I find the strength to write this anymore. I knew I would be hiking a lot today, but it turned out to be much more than expected.
I calculated it: I have 29.6km in my legs. I was walking for a full 8 hours, plus breaks for photos and food.
And now I feel it.
The last five kilometers were just torture, especially with my blisters. I got more than just a sunburn and my scalp got burned.

But let's start at the beginning:
The day started great, I always enjoy waking up to sunshine. I put on sunscreen (except for my scalp!) and enjoyed a nice breakfast.
Fresh and motivated, I started my journey. Finding the entrance to the hiking trail proved to be a bit difficult, but after a few rough paths, I found the right track. After about 20 minutes, I reached the Spa Thermal Park, on the outskirts of Taupo. There's another hot stream where you can go for a wonderful swim. But I had a lot more to do, so I postponed the swimming.
I continued along the Waikato River, which flows into the Great Lake. The water was so clear that I could see every detail on the bottom, and that color - I couldn't get enough of it.
After about an hour, I reached the Huka Falls. Beautiful, definitely worth more than just a glance! I took the bridge to the other side and walked along a hiking trail and a part of the road to the "Craters of the Moon". The name intrigued me.

It's a geothermal field with lots of fumaroles (holes in the ground where steam comes out), mud pools, and of course craters. I've seen a lot of it in Rotorua, but you can never get enough, right?
What was new for me were the hissing fumaroles. It reminded me again of the forces behind all these misty clouds.
And it smelled like rotten eggs again ;)
From a viewpoint, you could even catch a glimpse of Mount Tongariro - there's snow on the summit!

The next part was a bit more adventurous: at the ticket booth for the craters, the manager recommended that I visit the Aratiatia Dam. I had already had my eye on it, but it's quite remote. But it was just after 12, I could do it!
And I did manage it: walking along the highway, then hitchhiking a bit, then back on the road. The sun was scorching, my stomach growling, and I needed a break!
The gates of the dam were supposed to open at 2 pm and I finally arrived at 1:30. First I ate, took photos, and gathered my strength.
The gates of the dam open 5 times a day and then the entire dammed up water rushes into the small valley. I have to say, it was quite spectacular. The whole spectacle lasted 20 minutes and was worth all the effort.
And what's even cooler: the barrel scene from the second Hobbit movie was filmed at this dam. Where the dwarves are washed down a river rapid in barrels and Legolas runs heroically alongside and kills the orcs.
Yes, I'm also a little fan of Middle-earth ;)

For the rest of the afternoon, it was just the way back: 13km hiking trail along the river. Don't get me wrong, it was a beautiful path with views of the water, but for the first two-thirds of the way, I was exposed to the full sun. Plus, it was the hottest time of the day and my feet were killing me (have I mentioned my two lovely blisters on my heels?) - I blasted Christmas songs and clenched my teeth. I didn't have any other choice...

After about two hours, I was back in Taupo and completely exhausted. In the hostel, I took a shower first and then went to the kitchen because I was starving. And then I just collapsed on the bed. Unfortunately, I still have to get up at least two more times for dinner and showers and toilet breaks, but there won't be much else happening here.
Well, I'll still pack my backpack for tomorrow. The Tongariro Crossing is on the schedule - honestly, it will be a joke compared to this hellish tour today! But still, I want to be well prepared.
Hopefully, I can relax a bit on Thursday...