We left Rotorua and headed for Lake Taupo - NZ's largest lake. It was another beautiful drive (a bit rainy) and we arrived in Taupo with plenty of time to arrange a few activities (weather permitting). The town of Lake Taupo is where many visitors base themselves before heading a few km south to hike Mt. Tongariro - one of NZ's nine Great Walks. Taupo is a quaint lake town with tons of lakeside cafes and restaurants, board walks, and resort accommodations. We arrived and decided to splurge for lunch at a cafe on the water and enjoy some time observing the surroundings.
We had a few things we wanted to explore during our stay in Lake Taupo and knew we wouldn't have time for them all. We wanted to get started right away so we headed for Torangi, a few km south along the lake, which would 
allow us easier access to activities. Once we arrived in town we headed straight for the Information Center to make some bookings. We quickly discovered that weather conditions were going to prevent us from participating in our first choice - hiking the Tongariro Crossing. The hike is a full day tramp starting from base at 7:30 am. The next day called for winds of up to 85 km/hr and the professionals decided to close the path. It also didn't look good for the day after that as well. We're both certain it was a smart move on their part but were disappointed about not being able to do the hike.
allow us easier access to activities. Once we arrived in town we headed straight for the Information Center to make some bookings. We quickly discovered that weather conditions were going to prevent us from participating in our first choice - hiking the Tongariro Crossing. The hike is a full day tramp starting from base at 7:30 am. The next day called for winds of up to 85 km/hr and the professionals decided to close the path. It also didn't look good for the day after that as well. We're both certain it was a smart move on their part but were disappointed about not being able to do the hike. There are many activities to do in the Lake Taupo area but with rainy weather and limited time we decided that it was time to sedate Matt's constant itching to fly-fish since setting foot in NZ. The Tongariro River is home to some of the best trout fly-fishing in the world. It didn't take long for us to decide to hire a guide for a half-day trip up the river and our first lessons on fly fishing!! (Aud, we've got some tips to share!). The next 
morning we were picked up by John Summerville and taken to the Tongariro River. About this time of year the trout from Lake Taupo start swimming up the river to spawn. John took us to a fantastic area we waded through four feet of water a few times to get to a nice spot for fly fishing training 101. For other novices like us, fly-fishing is an extremely technical sport, and after 2 hours of hands on training jaci and I were proud to say we had mastered none of it (but learned a lot!). Our casting was showing signs of improvement and the foundation for a long fishing career had begun. Within an hour Matt had caught and lost both a 4 pound and 2 pound trout. Getting the fish on the hook is only one small part of this craft. With one of them a foot from the river edge, it made one last gasp for freedom and off the hook it went. Another lesson learned...never think you have them. So a few hours and no fish later...we were both proud of our efforts and Matt has decided all Christmas and birthday gifts from here on out should be fly-fishing related....oh dear.
morning we were picked up by John Summerville and taken to the Tongariro River. About this time of year the trout from Lake Taupo start swimming up the river to spawn. John took us to a fantastic area we waded through four feet of water a few times to get to a nice spot for fly fishing training 101. For other novices like us, fly-fishing is an extremely technical sport, and after 2 hours of hands on training jaci and I were proud to say we had mastered none of it (but learned a lot!). Our casting was showing signs of improvement and the foundation for a long fishing career had begun. Within an hour Matt had caught and lost both a 4 pound and 2 pound trout. Getting the fish on the hook is only one small part of this craft. With one of them a foot from the river edge, it made one last gasp for freedom and off the hook it went. Another lesson learned...never think you have them. So a few hours and no fish later...we were both proud of our efforts and Matt has decided all Christmas and birthday gifts from here on out should be fly-fishing related....oh dear.There are so many activity options in and around Taupo (not to mention the rest of the country) it is simply impossible to fit everything. In Lake Taupo we got the first taste of what will certainly be a recurring anxiety: not having enough time. That evening we had our first conversation (of many) about when we would be able come back to NZ. Anyone interested?? On to Wellington...
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