Taupo Trip of a Life Time Day 3

We had to get up bright and early in the morning to be ready to go for the Prawn farm and then the Huka falls cruise. We did a massive clean up of the marae and packed our bus to get back on the road for our journey north bound. We had done our final goodbyes to the hau kainga last night and were blessed by their warmth and manaakitanga.

At the Prawn Park with Mr Prawn himself

Striking a pose once again

One of the highlights of the Prawn Park was actually feeding some of the smaller prawns. I think Lizzy had about four of them eating out of her hands.

One of the adult prawns

Giving the small prawns a kai

Our tour guide later took us to some ponds where other visitors were actually fishing for some of the prawns. We opted to go around the activities circle around the park. The favourite spot for our kuia and parents was the geothermal seat and foot bath.

Funny photos

Pukana

Playing with the scales

Bikes and water hoses

Next, was a ride on the Huka falls cruise. We had an awesome captain who gave us korero along the way up towards the falls.

This is our lovely boat

And we are away

Each of our groups had turns on the upper deck to have a look around the river

Te Uwhinga on photos

Next group on the upper deck

Another group on the upper deck

Mauri ora!\

Now this is where things get really exciting. We all had turns on the upper deck as our captain took us close to the huka falls. It was seriously awesome! On the last turn we went up backwards up close to the falls while the boys did the haka

The beautiful Huka falls

We had such an awesome time in Taupo. At the end of our cruise, we did our farewells and thank you to all the parents, whanau and support staff. There were many piwaiwaka flying around which was a good sign. Nga mihi nui to Nana Bubs - our matriarch on the tour, whaea Oronsay - the hardest working whaea ever, matua Rhy for his awesome bus and driving, to our parents for all your hard work behind the scenes -  matua Nui, whaea Joelene, matua Arthur, matua Jacks (DJ) and whaea Sue who is always there for us. Nga mihi to our staff whaea Camille may you have success in your teaching journey, whaea Noelle for keeping an eye on our taonga Rory and most of all our Tuwharetoa leaders Ma Cynthia and whaea Nicky. Tuwharetoa rocks!

Pukawa Marae Mauri ora!

Tuwharetoa Maranga mai!