Ok as asked and promised I’ll write something on Roland’s block as well. Don’t know if I can come close to Roland’s writing skills but I‘ll give it my best shot. I mean when they have streets, islands and towns named after me…
As Roland wrote I was very tired on the beginning of our trip and every plan seemed a to big effort to me. As well Roland tried every time to persuade me to come along. And when I said “no I rather stay here and do noting” his basic reaction was like a puppy who can’t play with its favorite toy. But that’s all in the past and eventually the moment is there and I say “well let’s do something active”. At this point I’m not quite prepared what comes next…
From roturora we drive Taupo to do a skydive. Unluckily the weather is not on our side.
So we deside to head straight on to Mt Ruapehu to a place called Whakapapa (pronounced f***apapa) here we spend the night at the highest hotel in New Zealand. ( Funny anyway that in every country u go to there are always places which are like here, the highest, the lowest, the oldest, the best, the we are so unique and for u it’s so special that you’re here kind of places).
After a tranquillo sleep Roland wakes up early and we’re on our way Mammen’s rollercoaster. First we’re biking down a hill on a great mountain bike path with extraordinary views.
Unluckily both our bikes brake down, and we have to walk on, luckily we’re picked up by the guy, jumping straight in our car and racing back to Taupo to catch the last skydive flight of the day booked on the spot by Roland.
Arriving in Taupo there I’m immediately squished into a suit, pushed in to a plane, flew up to 4,6 km height (For those still using medieval measurements: 15.000 ft) and pushed out with a guy on my back.
Ok must be said it’s great to freefall. Not scary at all, spectacular great views.
W: ‘ Ok that was cool Roland what’s up next?
R:“well we haven’t seen the other side off mt Ruapehu so let’s go there’
w: huh? Well ok I’ll drive then
R: Aargh. Not you again! Please
Ok this is why: roland is a bit scared with my driving style. When I just drive very smoothly (my revenge hehe)
We’re just passing the 3rd corner and roland says go left here. We arrive at a natural hotspring. Just before I have to jump in “nice for the photo” I hear Roland say.
And the water feels very nicely warm. It’s so hot as you making your own bathtub, just warm enough to stay in for 15 min. very special that this hot water just comes straight out of the earth at 40 degrees Celsius.
Moving on
This night we stay in a backpackers and we sleep in a dormitory. After a quick sleep we’re off again. Now we’re going for a mountain walk with more scenic views of the highest waterfall of Tongariro National Park (here we go again).
And just when I think now I’ve had it all… There comes the Flyinng Fox. We’re strapped into some kind of back-to-the-future suit, attached with our back to a cable face down, roland smiling next to me, so it’s ok.
The fence which was first securely in front ofus slides away and we’re going down with 160km/hour into a fantastic gorge for a 2km long ride, YIHAAAA
Ok now it’s time to relax, we arrive in Wellington. Solid grounds city environment. I feel save, time to party!
