Like the true champions we are, we started the day with french toast and porridge at some cafe with some fuel-themed pun in the name. Unfortunately Ilana still had a touch of the vertigo and some lovely colored phlegm, but made the call to push onward with the day. We had already booked a half day, leisurely, child-safe, light-hearted kayaking tour to some ancient Maori carvings, only accessible by water. The thing is, on our particular journey, it turned out to be quite cold and windy, with unexpected 2.5 foot waves. While we were in our waterproof double sea kayak, Ilana took major splash damage every time we crested a wave, which was quite often. The kayak itself had a rudder that was operated with foot pedals – while this sounds like it’s easy to steer, the waves of the lake cared not for our vessel or our safety. Fortunately, our kayak was outfitted with a small electric motor. Keep in mind Ilana’s state of health didn’t allow her to participate in much paddling, so the motor was a lucky break. Even so, the motorized kayak, affectionately named Captain Swindley, was unfortunately barely a match for the raging waters. Our guide Brett constantly disappeared behind the waves, then reappeared, and disappeared again. This was the most challenging aquatic venture Brevin has faced to date. Again, keep in mind Ilana had vertigo during this time, shouting expletives and unpleasantries that she wanted to get out and or at least turn around ASAP. She was doing a most excellent job complaining. At this point the waters were so rough that we couldn’t even float around the carvings for more than a mere minute, which, to remind you, was the whole point of the kayak trip. Finally, as we were able to make our way back, with us riding on the waves to shore, we were notified that the carvings were only from 1976! Which was highly disappointing from Brevin’s vision of an Indiana-Jones-esque archeological adventure. At least there was some interesting mythology of the lake, like the Lake Man, whose name we forgot. Another fun fact: Lake Taupo is so big that Singapore can almost fit in it. A soaked, cold Ilana received props from Brevin for pushing through the ordeal once we finally reached the shore after the grueling 3 hours. Soaking wet. Cramped legs. Tired arms. Bursting bladder. Cranky Finkel.
Rushing back to the hotel, we quickly filled up our private hot springs tub and sipped hot chocolate in the sunset. To complete the night in the New Zealand way, we had some fish and chips and watched The Two Towers. And Brevin got his nostalgia fix with a vanilla soft serve and flake for dessert!
