New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 9 Part 2 ~ Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa, Huka Falls, Otumuheke Stream (Spa Park Hot Pools), Taupo, Embra

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After leaving Rotorua, we set off for our thermal spa!


Snapping some photos before leaving the phone to soak. Pretty small place actually with 3 main pools as one of the pools has 2 sides to it.

This is warmer nearer to the waterfall.


The hottest pool at the top.


Ready for the soak!


We spent around 1.5 hours there, think we're just not the kind who likes to soak for a really long time. Furthermore, it started raining/ drizzling on and off. So when the rain got lighter, we left to wash up to continue the day.

Next stop was Huka Falls.




Wherever there is a river, there is a jetboat experience lol.




















After spamming photos at the Huka Falls, we went to the Spa Thermal Park nearby, where you can soak in thermal water for free.


Warning: dark clouds





And it started pouring. So we seek shelter at the toilet lol.



Waited for about 10 mins and we quickly left the place before the rain came again!
When it wasn't raining, it was quite sunny.


As it was raining again, we headed to the supermarket to get some groceries for supper. How affordable Raglan was in NZ.


Explored around the Taupo center while the rain stopped.
Part clear blue sky, part dark clouds. 







Famous #LOVETAUPO signage.



Spot me lol!




NZ largest lake, the size of SG lol! Imagine the whole of NZ squeezing in Lake Taupo = situation in SG.




Attempting to capture the size of the lake.



Where we were going to have dinner, 2 hatted restaurant!
We were a little too early so we ended up walking around the housing estate while waiting for it to open. We planned to have an early dinner as there is still a long drive to Tongariro and we would be conquering our first hike this trip. 




Finally seated. We initially planned to have the four-course meal but upon hearing the elderly couple behind going for the five courses, we decided to give it a go LOL!.



Amuse Bouche.


What's a meal here without a glass of wine?


Bread and butter, which the elderly couple asked for seconds.


We got different starter, Crab and Chicken.



2 mains each LOL! Fish and Venison. Was feeling full even before the Venison LMAO.



Exploding belly with the dessert. Somehow the elderly couple were faring better than us, which made us question if we were really small eaters lol.



By the time we ended dinner, it was already almost 9:30pm. That makes the dinner 3 hours! Service was rather slow, which was not uncommon in NZ. 
So we started the drive from Taupo after dark and finally reached Tongariro Crossing Lodge at almost 11pm.


The spare bed which gave us more room, especially helpful after the hike!






Our package came with a packed lunch for our hike the following day, and we brought the sandwiches along with us to the hike but could hardly finish. 


 We quickly unpacked and washed up to rest for the night to prep for the early morning hike!

 Stay tuned for part 2!

~ New Zealand Trip 2023 ~
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 2 Part 2 ~ Waiheke Island
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 3 ~ Piha, Coromandel
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 4 Part 1 ~ Coromandel, Driving Creek Railway, Waiau Falls
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 4 Part 2 ~ Cathedral Cove, Mount Paku Summit, Pāuanui Beach, Rassasy
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 5 Part 1 ~ Donut Island, Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 5 Part 2 ~ Karangahake, Wairere Falls, Matamata
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 6 Part 1 ~ Hobbiton
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 6 Part 2 ~ Blue Spring, Redwoods Treewalk
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 7 Part 1 ~ Rainbow Mountain, Kaituna Cascades
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 7 Part 2 ~ The Redwoods - Whakarewarewa Forest, Secret Spot, Rotorua Lakefront Boardwalk, Number 8 wire
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 8 Part 1 ~ Waimangu Volcanic Valley
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 8 Part 2 ~ Government Gardens, Atticus Finch
New Zealand Trip 2023 Day 9 Part 1 ~ Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave

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