Location

Taupo is a delightful town situated around a scenic lake, providing stunning views of Mt Ruapehu. The region attracts a lot of tourists due to its famous geothermal parks and wide range of activities. We stayed in Taupo during the autumn months when the weather was cold, rainy, windy and foggy. However we were fortunate enough to witness the beautiful colours of autumn trees, which made our time here a touch more magical.

Pets/House

During this five week house sit we had the pleasure of caring for two little dogs, Emma a Schnoodle and Charlie a Mini Poodle. They are very excitable dogs who thoroughly enjoyed going for walks and playing with their squeaky toys. Most days they would sit on the couch, overlooking the lake, keeping watch over the neighborhood. Occasionally a cat would walk past and Emma and Charlie would go ballistic.

Emma is two years old and a very stubborn Schnoodle. She is a little princess and tends to assert her own authority, rarely complying when asked to do something. Notably, she possesses an impressive jumping ability, effortlessly leaping over the coffee table onto the couch and even up onto the bar stools. Whenever we returned home after being out, she would get so excited and jump at the front door then run around the house while jumping up and down. She also had a remarkable talent for balancing on two feet and would extend her paws if you put your arm out.

Charlie is an eight month old Mini Poodle, still in his puppy stage. He is a big people pleaser and would do anything for a treat. Charlie was very good at sitting when asked and had an eagerness to learn. Like Emma, he had the same excitable qualities, however his was in the form of licking. He loved to lick people and would happily cover us in kisses all day if he could. Charlie had an injured back leg, which caused him to occasionally walk on 3 legs, however he still got about perfectly fine. Both Charlie and Emma enjoyed snuggling on our laps and spending time with us.

The house was perched on a hill, with beautiful views of Lake Taupo and the surrounding hills. We stayed in the Airbnb which was attached to the house downstairs, it was very comfortable and had an amazing rain shower. Upstairs was the lounge, dining room and kitchen, with a hidden walk in pantry.

What We Did

Having visited Taupo in the past for our summer vacations, we were eager to explore new sights and experiences this time around. Our first stop was the botanical gardens, and they were absolutely gorgeous. The vibrant autumn colours painted the trees in breathtaking hues of red, orange and yellow. Strolling through the tranquil forests and gardens, was so peaceful, we could have stayed there for hours.

We set our alarms early to catch the beauty of a Taupo sunrise, which did not disappoint. We were treated to picturesque views of Mt Ruapehu and a gentle fog rolling in from the valley. The lake was tranquil, and we could hear the birds starting to stir. It was a truly awe-inspiring sight that took our breath away.

A short 15-minute drive from Taupo is the Aratiatia Rapids and dam release. This captivating event takes place three times a day at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. We chose to visit during the 2pm dam release, and it was an exciting sight to behold. Within about 10 minutes, the basin filled up, and we were amazed to see it transform from nearly empty, to a powerful flowing river.

We waited for the perfect sunny day and hiked to the top of Mt Tauhara. The uphill climb was tough, with uneven ground, but the magnificent views made it worthwhile. The walk began in a paddock, filled with fluffy sheep grazing peacefully, then moved into a forest. Within the depths of the forest we encountered a fascinating sight; deep ruts in the earth that towered above us, forming a narrow passage just wide enough to squeeze through. As we assended the mountain the trees gradually grew shorter, allowing rays of sunlight to filter through the canopy. The forest came alive with the enchanting melodies of countless birds, their sweet songs echoing through the air. Moss covered trees added a magical aura before we reached the summit to crazy rock formations and picturesque views of Taupo and Mt Ruapehu.

Last but not least we made our way to the breathtaking Huka Falls, a magnificent display of a raging river. Although we had been there on previous occasions, the beauty of the falls never fails to astound us. The water, with its vibrant aqua blue, rushed fiercely, creating striking white rapids.