“It is life, I think, to watch the water. Man can learn so many things.” -Nicholas Sparks

May 11

A lemon friand from Industrie French Kitchen was an excellent start to the day.

Aratiatia Rapids dam release was our next destination and we needed to arrive at a certain time.

Eighty thousand liters of water are released three times a day (four in the summer months) from the Aratiatia Dam, creating a spectacular flow of water through the narrow gorge. The dry, rocky gorge transformed into a roaring river right before our eyes.

The Huka Falls River Cruise was our afternoon activity.

We floated on the Waikato river, NZ’s longest, with manuka, kanuka and willow trees lining the river.

We saw trout swimming in the water and asked our skipper why we’ve never see trout on restaurant menus. Apparently, it can’t be bought or sold commercially in the entire country. You’re allow to fish it on your own however. This is due to the fear that it if were allowed to be served at restaurants, commercial fisherman would poach them in mass and damage the wild fishery ecosystem.

After forty minutes or so, we arrived at Huka Falls and another gorgeous rainbow right at the base.

We saw the power and fury of the falls up close, which was a pretty cool vantage point.

The falls are caused by the Waikato river, normally 328 feet wide, forced to narrow to just 50 feet wide, as it passes through a volcanic canyon. This narrowing increases the flow pressure, causing a great burst of water. Huka means “foam” in Māori.

The unique blue color of the water at the base of the falls is created by the clear water reflecting the blue light and the air bubbles in the water further intensifying the color.

After the boat tour, we roamed around the Taupo town center and then headed back to our accommodation for an early dinner at home.

We called Adrift Expeditions to re-confirm our crossing and it was a go with a good weather forecast. It’s key to have great weather on this long 12.5 mile hike as it’s completely exposed. There is no cover or shelter from the elements.

We need to wake up very early as we have a one hour and 20 minute drive to the basecamp at the national park to meet our tour company and guide. We need to be at the tour office by 7 a.m., so an early start for us. The hike has an elevation gain of 2,765 feet. It will be a long day. Wish us luck!