We have driven so many km in NZ that when we were driving from Rotarua to Lake Taupo, we thought nothing of diverting via the Art Deco town of Napier. “Let’s go!” I said, “it’s only a 300km detour!” So we went.
It was also Waitangi Day – a public holiday celebrating the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document – and everyone was heading to Napier for a day out by the sea! However, we found a great museum with a really moving exhibition on the devastating earthquake of 1931, which destroyed most of the town. The positive outcome was that all the new buildings were built in Art Deco style.
After seeing thermal mud baths, strange roadside plants and avocado farms surrounded by huge hedges we finally arrived at our Airbnb in Tuarangi, south of Lake Taupo. We met the 4 other guests, the gorgeous Jenny and Jake, a well travelled French couple and our lovely host Richard, who had prepared a BBQ for us all! We had a great evening of sharing travel experiences and very small amounts of wine😂!
I was spotted taking their photo!
50somethingnomads 