The Waldorf It Wasn't

After the thermal pools, we realized that we weren't going to quite make it to Tongariro (the Kiwi version of a "highway," is definitely not the same as in the US), we decided to stay Friday night (that's Thursday for you) in Taupo, a lake town and local ski area that is on the way. Up to this point we've basically been reading up on places to stay as we are driving to an area and then just pulling into the one that sounds like the best for the money for the night. This tactic worked fine until dreaded Taupo. Even though the ski fields (that's what they call them here) weren't even open yet, this town was overrun with people from god knows where. Kiwi's shouting "cheers!" and "no worries!" were everywhere. It was cold as hell, and short of a bunk bed we could not find anything. We ended up having to stay at "Burk's." Burk's was sketchy at best. The hot water was lukewarm and the heater had two settings, blasting out scalding hot air or off. No in between. But the best was the decor, a Nascar poster on a bare chipped wall. I am not kidding. Krista, you would have absolutely refused to stay in this place. Please keep your fingers crossed for good accommodations from here on out for us. -- Kelly