In virtually no time at all, we reached Huka Falls, which were just stunning (and a shade of blue reminiscent of a dyed fountain in a fancy resort). While taking some happy-snaps, we noted with envy some lucky people scooting about the base of the falls in a Jet Boat. With an impish grin, Jen informed me that she thought it would be a great idea if I could take the kids on it.
After checking out both of the kiddies were big enough to take a ride, we signed up and waited our turn. We climbed aboard and I noted with interest that the handrails were heated (presumably from the 2 V6 engines). We leapt forward, and the driver alternated between a running comedy act and steering us at partially-sumberged trees and rock-walls. We had a blast, with both Lily and Hamish squealing and laughing the entire time. We grabbed some lunch at Taupo, and then Jen enjoyed the thrills of Pak 'N Save (a supermarket of the bare-bones variety). Instead of aisles as such, there were piles of boxes strewn about the place. Interestingly, the cashier did not recognise Jen as an Australian as she lacked the anticipated typical Bogan-twang.
We made doubly-sure to completely fill the car with petrol before heading east for Napier (this turned out to be a wise move, as there were no petrol stations [or towns really] until our destination). After crossing some mountainous terrain, we made it to Napier - which on first impressions is fairly underwhelming.
Our room is decked out in Deco-style (chintz lounge, paisley bedspreads, and carpeted skirting boards) and in fact smells like it comes from the 1930s... On the up-side, we followed the Proprietors directions and picked up some dinner from Thai Chef's Restaurant - and it was superb (the red curry was amazing).The kids have gone to sleep, hopeful that the Easter Bunny will find them on the East Coast of the Northern Island of NZ. At least it's not the Easter Possum, otherwise there could have been tears involved..
