River Valley (April 18)

The drive this morning was amazing. Majority of it was along the lake. It reminded me a lot of Big Bear Lake and parts of Colorado. We stopped at the National Park at Whakapapa Village where we hiked to the Taranaki Falls. It was about a 2 hour return hike. This waterfall is where they filmed the scene near the waterfall in Lord of the Rings. It was a perfect hike, a little windy but nice. We ate lunch by the waterfall then headed back.

Next we were headed for River Valley. This was definitely one of my favorite places we stayed at so far. It was a cabin back down in the mountains right in the river that was exclusive and very peaceful. It reminded me ofthe days we used to go to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bills cabin. They was really nothing to do so everyone was around playing games and cards. The sleeping arrangement at this place was also quite special and unique. It was one room spilt into 2 and it slept 32 people. They beds were just big shelves and you had to pull your foam 'mattress' down and rent your duvet. It was an interesting experience but all the body heat from that many people in a room helped heat it up because it as pretty cold down there.

See the 4 pillows, yeah that's how close we were to each other

Stoked on life!

View from our door

The Bar

The Kitchen next to the bar