The 2nd half of the trip picks up after our visit to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua as we head past Lake Taupo for National Park, then down the Forgotten Highway and into New Plymouth and finally a long final day down the west coast and into Wellington.

Tawhai Falls

Our last stop of the day was a quick visit to Tawhai Falls (also known as Gollum's Pool)

Mt Ngauruhoe in the early morning

Up and in the van before 5am (ouch!) to catch the morning light on the mountains!

Blooming tree along Forgotten Hwy

Tangarakau River along the Forgotten Hwy

Fern trees in the rainy mist along the Forgotten Hwy

Onaero Bay Sunset

Petrified wood in the surf at sunset

Onaero Bay Sunset

Petrified wood in the surf at sunset

Onaero Bay Sunset

Rainy day flowers at Pukati Flower Gardens

Playing with a zoomed shot of a simple rhodedendron.

Falls at Dawson Creek

Sunset at Back Beach

Mangaweka Boulder Forest

Glacially formed boulders left in a group near a bend in the Ranitikei River

Slightly soaked at Dawson Creek