When we read about a magnificent waterfall that flows from crevises in a rock wall we knew it was something we had to see. Even though it was relatively close to Rotorua, you had to drive a very round about way to get there. So it could have been a 20 to 30 minute drive, but instead it was about two hours. The drive was nice though because it went beside clear lakes on the way. We also drove through an old town that was originally settled for loggers. The annoying part was that as much as it was promoted to see in the guide books, there was nothing informing us that we would have to get a permit first and before a certain time. We arrived at a gate with a huge sign in red letters saying you could only enter by permit because the only road to the falls was through a privately owned land. Hundreds of acres used for logging with long gravel roads. Anyway everything worked out and we ended up camping near the trail to the falls. And the drive and time it took to get there was completely worth it. It turned out to be one of our most peaceful camping experiences, which was much needed as we were kind of tired from just being on the move.
Dave fished in the crystal clear river and caught a beauty of a trout. In the morning we hiked to the falls and they were some of the most amazing we’ve ever seen! Dave made his way much closer because he wanted some cool pics, and I did some yoga stretches. The park was so fresh and clean. It was actually pretty warm that day so I got in the river. The river was painfully cold, but I could not resist its beauty or immersing myself in it if only for a few minutes. It seemed we had the place all to ourselves, but after a while a few people showed up.
After hiking and fishing around there we decided to drive to the other side where you can access Tarawera Lake. It was beautiful too and I caught a large trout there and released it. I cooked our lunch while Dave continued to fish and this happened to be where I first encountered the evil sandflies which I mistook them for harmless little gnats until they began to bite my feet. A mistake I did not forget! Anyway, we loved our time there and I would definitely go back to that peaceful haven, … with some strong insect repellent of course! Ha!
