🚗 North Island Road Trip | Magical Geothermal Taupō ✨

My favorite town in the North Island—hands down! After living in the South Island for two years, I’ve never seen anywhere as surreal and enchanting as Taupō! This small town packs a punch with must-visit spots: 📍 #LoveTaupō lakeside sign 📍 World’s coolest McDonald’s (in a plane!) ✈️🍟 📍 Hole-in-One Challenge – Win $1 million with a lakeside golf shot! ⛳💰 📍 Māori Rock Carvings – Best seen by boat! ⛵ Booked an eco-friendly sailboat on Bookme for $29 (only 4 passengers in May—low season FTW!). ♨️ Taharepa Hot Pools My absolute favorite—free lakeside hot springs! Soaked at sunset with black swans gliding by two days in a row. Pure magic! 🌅🦢 🌋 Wairakei Terraces Walk 💰 $7 (Bookme deal!) Looks like Turkey’s Pamukkale! Best visited afternoon for clear views. ☀️ I went at 8 AM—too misty, but witnessed a "Buddha’s Halo" light phenomenon! ♨️ Spa entry: $13.5 (worth it!). 🌕 Craters of the Moon 💰 $5 (Bookme special!) UNREAL! Like walking on the moon—steam vents, bubbling pits, and giant craters. 🚶 1-hour loop walk—otherworldly! 💦 Huka Falls Lookout Nice but jet boating sounds way more fun! 🚴 Biking/hiking trails nearby for adventurers. ♨️ Otumuheke Stream (Spa Park Hot Pools) Free riverside pools in a scenic park… but lukewarm water 😅. (I ended up back at Taharepa Baths—way better!) 🌊 Aratiatia Rapids Winter release times: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM (FREE!). 💥 More dramatic than Huka Falls! 🚶 Middle viewpoint (5-min walk, best view but crowded). 🏃 Top viewpoint (10-min walk, secluded & panoramic). ☕ L'Arté Café & Gallery A hidden gem 15 mins from town! 🍳 Best bacon & egg muffin EVER! 🎨 Stunning handmade ceramics—perfect souvenirs! In one word: Taupō stole my heart! 💙 #NZNorthIsland #RoadTripNZ #MustVisitNZ #HiddenGems #TravelNZ #TaupōLove #GeothermalWonder #AdventureTime #HotSpringHeaven #Wanderlust #NZTravelDiaries ✈️🌿