We woke today to another sunny day and as part of our latest B&B stay at Geyser Lookout, a glorious breakfast of fruit & muesli, followed by bread, cheeses and cold meats helped down by hot coffee and tea. It just doesn’t get better than this. If you’re ever staying in the Rotorua area this is the place to stop at.

The owner recommended we pay a visit to the Maori village close by, where the locals live within the geothermal area and make use of the heat for cooking and bathing.

Whakarewarewa is the legacy and home of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have been sharing their unique way of life with visitors from all around the world for over two hundred years.

Our guide was great and a real showman and helped to explain the maori history in the area and how they adapted to the environment and make use of it even in today’s world. Still steaming their food in holes in the ground and bathing in the waters once cooled.

Entering Te Whakarewarewa Valley felt a privilege and gave us a real experience of the unique Māori culture and heritage of the village. The Living Māori Village is owned and operated by local residents, providing an intimate look into day-to-day life.

The locals have been able to trace their ancestry back to the Te Arawa people who first occupied the valley in 1325, with generations of guides becoming pioneering leaders of tourism in New Zealand.

We got to get up close to the boiling hot pools and bubbling mud, and learnt how the residents utilise and respect the ever-changing forces beneath their land.

The Jurassic park-like landscape provides regenerative powers as we found ourselves face to face with nature, hot spring lakes, mud pools and native manuka bushland’s.

We followed the guide along the trails combining views of native ferns, edible plants and glimpses of unique geothermal landscape, including colourful steaming lakes and thermal pools that can only be viewed at Whakarewarewa.

After our informative 90min tour with the local maori guide, we read a little more about the history of the guides themselves, a number of whom had met former Kings and Queens of England as well as other dignitaries from across the world.

Our plan today was to head down to Lake Taupo in readiness for staying in Turangi Bridge and tomorrow’s hike along Tongariro Crossing.

We had been recommended this 25km walk as it enabled you to get up close to extinct volcanoes and to see amazing views of the Taupo region.

Heading down to Lake Taupo we stopped at Huka Falls. Here we got to witness the power of the Waikato River as it crashes through a narrow gorge to create the impressive Huka Falls.

There was an option to enjoy a jet boat ride to the falls, but we took the more sedate option of a scenic walk along the river trails.

Onwards to Lake Taupo, we stopped just outside the town to look out over the lake from a viewing point and take in the mountains that looked out in the distance. It was here that we planned to do our 25km trek starting early in the morning.

Sadly within 30mins of arriving at Taupo we got an email to say the Tongariro Alpine Crossing would be closed tomorrow and Thursday due to worsening conditions and a lack of visibility, which was such a shame and meant we were a little uncertain as to our next move.

After rearranging our nights stay, we opted to be on the waterfront at Lake Taupo and went for a long walk to enjoy the last of the days sunshine and to grab some dinner.

The lake is truly stunning and we can see why people are drawn to the area due to its natural beauty and the array of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and swimming.

We plan to stay tomorrow morning in and around Lake Taupo and go for a walk at lower levels where the weather shouldn’t be as bad. From there we have a 2hr drive on to Palmerston North where we have booked a nights stay at a charming B&B aptly called Charm on Chippendale!