Blue Duck Station

After my best night so far since I've been traveling with the Stray Bus, we headed into the beautiful middle of nowhere. First, we made a stop in Taupo and checked out the fastest waterfall or currents in New Zealand. I was able to do a bit more hiking there. After that, we drove on a very bumpy road close to the cliffs to the Blue Duck Station. There, efforts are made to better control many of the introduced animals and thus protect endangered animals, such as the Blue Duck. I can already tell that we are getting more and more younger people joining the bus, but hopefully they will all leave in Wellington. ;)

I had a day to spend there, which I used for a hike to the waterfall and the surrounding hills. In the evening, we had goat curry and I must say, the goat meat was delicious :). Unfortunately, the weather got worse and the feared happened :( The Tongariro crossing was canceled, which was supposed to be my second big highlight on the North Island after Hobbiton. So, another reason to come back again ;)

However, we were able to start today in a relaxed manner and will arrive in Raetihi tonight, where I will have my first fish and chips here :)