We take a very beautiful scenic drive along the Forgotten World Highway.  Leaving Whangamomona around 0730 gave us sweeping views with a misty sunrise.  Our destination is Lake Taupo.  

A total surprise to us was that we got to go through one more tunnel and this one was a beauty!

Pukawa Villas

Oh my goodness!  We had the most amazing stay at Pukawa Villas overlooking Lake Taupo. 

We stayed in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with a huge veranda overlooking the lake. Everyone room had a view that was breathtaking.

Mt. Tauhara Hike

We did not have anything planned in Lake Taupo. 

But we did manage to find a great hike to the top of Mt. Tauhara.  It is 538 meters to the top at a distance of 2.5km. It took us about 3 hours return.

The trail is well marked and easy to follow. 

It is straight up so can be a bit strenuous, but several kids did the hike.

The views were absolutely magnificent!  A stunning photo no matter where you looked.

After our hike we headed toward Waitomo. A short 2 hour drive from Lake Taupo.

Waitomo

We are staying at the Waitomo Big Bird and Small Animal BnB.  Not exactly what I imagined when I booked the place.  But the farm animals were amazing and the hosts are lovely.

She had llamas, alpacas, cows, dogs, goats, sheep, horses, donkey, pig, emus, ostrich’s, and munchkin cats.

I became friendly with Victoria who has to be the friendliest ostrich on this planet!

Did you know that an ostrich egg is equal to 24 chicken eggs and can feed 18 people?

Anne, the owner of Waitomo Big Bird breeds munchkin cats.  I had never heard of them!  These cats are adorable with their stubby little legs.  The also have the friendliest demeanor and are truly human loving cats.

Our blog posts run 6 weeks behind actual live events. 

We spent our time in Lake Taupo and Waitomo in early February 2026.