mon4 weather atrocious but travelling all day so doesnt matter. drove Kaikoura to Picton well in time for ferry, stood on deck 10 in cold, wind and rain to see Queen Charlotte Sound again. Traffic very slow out of Wellington so stopped half way to Taupo at Taihape. nice site but still raining.
Tues5 nicer day, set off for Taupo, thru Tongariro National Park which is very high above sea level, part called the Desert due to no trees just grass and low shrub a bit like a moor but flat plains then ravines and twisty road strange place. then found myself driving along shoreline of lake Taupo which is huge so stopped in a picnic area right on side of lake with little beach for lunch. 2 black swans with 3 cygnets were there. male cob? marched up to me, not sure whether threatening or demanding to be fed probably both. I dont feed any birds or animals they just rely on humans and teach their young to do same then they forget how to feed in wild and anyway I want to eat it myself. Interesting episode when third adult appeared, presumably a male, and the first male screeched and attacked and they fought in the sea seemingly trying to drown each other going further and further out to sea went on for ages til couldnt see them the female and cygnets drifted out towards the fighting pair but stayed well back. eventually the mother (pen?) and cygnets came back to the shoreline but didnt see either of the males again she was obviously looking out for her partner I believe swans mate for life I fear that one or both of the males died in the fight. drove on to campsite, read book and walked into town. I like Taupo. All the Best, John John Cornhill
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