Te Maataapuna

While driving through the outskirts of Taupo 3 days ago I spotted this kiwiana mural on the side of the Taupo Turtle Pools building in Turangi. Just a bit of background the pools aren't for Turtles they are for toddlers, babies and little children to learn to swim but back to the mural which says "Te Maataapuna" which means "the source" and features a Tui along with a carving that looks like a Taniwha. I can't find who the artist is but I suspect it's part of the Taupo Graffiato Street Festival.

Linking up with Mural Monday

The long long Tongariro River

This is one part of NZ that really feels the cold. Tongariro River is a popular spot for Trout fishing and Kayakers.

The river originates in the central plateau of the north island and it is fed by numerous streams coming off mountain ranges such as Mount Ruapehu, through the town of Turangi before entering Lake Taupo.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

Chateau Tongariro...with a snow cat

I love this location and for years I have wanted to visit it, the last time we were in this area was over 10 years ago but I never got a chance to stop until now.  Chateau Tongariro is in the heart of the National Park, was originally built in the 1920s and is still in use today. On the day we were there someone had thoughtfully made what we thought looked like a snow cat out the front, our attempt was some sort of small trans-gender snow person.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday :-)