Not T'pau which I accidentally called it - (oddly enough not played on the radio here but would fit right in). Arrived here in torrential rain. Being from England it wasn't too much of an issue, but George being Japanese was obviously not built to be waterproof - so that explains the damp smell.
Taupo is very much a black hole for backpackers, people having been here for months on end, working, playing and generally bumming around. No doubt it's a great spot, the lake, volcanoes, mountains, springs (the list goes on and on) but I think it could easily become too claustrophobic. I'm not sure how many bars are in town but imagine everyone goes to the same one, my money would be on an Irish bar. Meet a sound Irish lad (Andy) who has introduced me to Geocaching, which seems a bit odd but think it could be quite a cool thing to do when travelling round.
Jumped my first bungy and what more can I say other than quick. The build up is far better than the jump (kind of like the chase outweighing the catch - think Taranaki again) but definitely recommend going for the full water dunk - just in case I pissed myself on the way down. Debated the skydiving but am awaiting Claire in the South Island and with a little encouragement/ chlorophyll I'm sure she'll be game for a free fall.
Have been extremely impressed with the Blackcurrant Backpackers and even more with the fact that the main core staff members are friendly, easy going, helpful English people. Maybe living in NZ does rub off on people? Now I've completely my first week of work it's time to move on and am hoping the Tongariro is clear for the next two days as have been waiting two days now for the weather to complete the circuit. Only time will tell....
