New Zealand - Day 6

 October 22

This was one of our favorite days of our trip.  It was packed full of awesome activities.

We headed south to Taupo.  Admittedly, it is a very touristy area, but for good reason as there are lots of things to do and see.

First stop was the bungee swing.  For his birthday back in September, Caleb asked if his birthday present could be Bungee jumping in Australia (the birthplace of Bungee).  Originally, he wanted to repel down the SkyTower in Auckland, but that was completely booked.  So we signed him up for the next best thing - the Bungee swing in Taupo.

Caleb's swing was over this beautiful gorge off of this crazy structure hanging off the side of a cliff.

Needless to say he LOVED it and was ready to go again.

After the Bungee, we headed to this area called "Craters of the Moon".

It's what they call a "geothermal walk" there in New Zealand.

It was cool to walk around see what nature can do.

Our next adventure was the Huka Falls Jet boat.

If you ask the boys, this was probably one of their favorite things we did.

You load up in this boat and the driver goes insanely fast (80KMPH), weaving in and out of trees, spinning around, and they take you right up against the Huka Falls.

Seriously, it was such a fun ride and our boat driver was amazing and funny.

Best 30 minute boat ride ever.

Our last adventure of the day was at Te Pa Tu, a re-created Maori village where they show you indigenous crafts, music and dances.  Followed by a Maori feast.

I would compare it to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii but on a smaller scale.

I didn't take many pictures, but it was a great experience and there was SOOOO much food.

These wonderful ladies were our dinner companions at Te Pa Tu.

Our boys made friends with them quickly and I don't think there was a quiet minute at the table that night.  The four of them were sisters from Canada and Australia and were going to be there for a month!  Darren and I realized that most people we met there in New Zealand were all planning on being there for at least 3 weeks or longer - guess we didn't plan a long enough trip!!