One of the hardest parts of being a backpacker is watching your bank balance dwindle daily without any way of topping it back up. As we approach the half way point of our ten month trip, we're already more than half way through our funds so we're trying as much as possible to fill our days with free activities rather than splashing out on the most expensive. Luckily we found Taupo was perfect for this as it quickly taught us that less money doesn't always equal less fun.
As soon as we pulled into the town we passed a sign for a Honey Farm that offered free tastings to all visitors. As well as rinsing the honey jar counter, we tried the honey wine, honey liqueurs and all kinds of honey scented moisturisers and perfumes. By the time we left we were high on sugar and smelt divine without spending a penny.
Later that evening we drove to a park with natural hot springs available to the public. Taupo is well known for its many spas but this one was as good as any and completely free. Feeling content as ever we watched the sunset from the comfort of our own private jacuzzi pool with the relaxing sounds of water trickling from a small fall beside us.
Taupo is home to some rather massive waterfalls too, the biggest of all being Huka Falls which originates from the same river as the hot springs. In the morning we returned to the area and followed the water all the way down until the crashing falls at the end. It's a beautiful walk and the river is so inviting but with the current being so strong we had to be careful not to be whisked away into the waterfalls ourselves. As impressive as they looked we had no desire to see them up that close!
It's a fact that everything is better when it's free but Taupo is worth the visit even if it ends up costing you. It's a beautiful town with stunning natural wonders and definitely not one to be missed.
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