We trained for it and we did it!  The Huka XStream River Swim event was a 3.3 km down river adventure in the Waikato River.  Crystal clear, cold water drains from Lake Taupo into the Waikato making it New Zealand’s longest river (425 km). The lake itself is smack dab in the middle of the North Island.  It’s highly visited for the water sports, features and high-thrill activities.   Our swim race started up stream, closer to the lake, and continued down river along a winding route through shallow sections, cool rock formations and a deep abyss.  The gentle current kept us moving along, if not always following the fastest water “line.”  We didn’t break any records.   Kai struggled to focus on swimming and not the scenic rock formations and occasion fish along the bottom.  The  bungee jumpers swinging above from a cliff face and  occasional pop up rock islands kept me vigilant.

“Apres-swim” included stripping off the form-fitting swimming wetsuits in the cool water. It’s much easier than on dry land and a nice opportunity to show off the shoulder pump! 

Waikato River swim section…

No event of any kind here, and I mean anything that draws a crowd, is complete without a “sausage sizzle”!  Sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, and a grilled sausage on a white bread folder is the best $2 you’ll ever spend. So, yes, we chowed down during the post-race “prize-giving” festivities. Apart from the usual nice give outs,  mystery prizes included an iron and brand new flat screen TV.  Lucky TV winner, not so lucky lady took home an iron!

After that it was nap time for Kai and good time for Des and me to check out Huka Falls proper just further down the river.  The rapids form quickly and the foaming blue water is absolutely spectacular to see.  We skipped the jetboat ride to the falls but the lookout point was super cool. Google Huka Falls on youtube to watch kayakers run the falls. Some guy road it on a boogie board…craaazy!

Lake Taupo is bigger than Singapore– you hear that over and over again. Not sure what to make of that other than it’s massive.  As I said, the area has plenty of water sports, mountain biking and is “training ground” for the Ironman New Zealand, held here in March.  Our weekend trip was short which was fine for Des as a heatwave was on.  Taupo is at the base of a mountain (volcano), it’s dry and sunny at the moment. This gave us the chance to fully appreciated the high UV index.    Oh, there are thermals too, steam rises here and there forming small hot water pools. Our lodge had an enclosed thermal spa with 2 dip pools  that looked like something out of horror movie.  A dark room with 2 square concrete sided baths to dip in.  Kai and Des waded in. We heard it was “therapeutic”.  Friday night sunset view from Acacia Bay, a section of Lake Taupo.

 

Kai wanted a thrill and we made a last minute spontaneous decisions to parasail over the bay  Saturday afternoon.  Conditions were perfect.  Our boat captain, looking all the California surfer type, turned out to be part owner, super competent and attentive.  We launched from the boat and spent 12 minutes sailing.  Max height was close to 500 ft (40 stories) but it seemed like a 1000 to me!  Kai wondered about all the worse case scenarios while laughing, thanks partner! Oh, what a view of the pristine blue and green waters. We had the whole bay to ourselves, just us our boat the 2 jetskiers riding it’s wake.

A Perfect holiday.