On our way to Taupo (June 6th) we drove through Tokoroa.  This caught our eyes.  It reminds me of an ent. This is "The Green Tree" and me.

  This is the wood cutter; called "The Pine Man".  He is next to the tree carving in Tokoroa. 

  Right to Left: Amy, Jess, Tiger, and I.  Prior to our 1 hour horse treck. 

  This is Craters of the Moon, a natural geothermal area.  It does not have any power station on it nor will it ever, according to our guide, because the plateau is too unstable and moving towards Lake Taupo.  It was the turn around point of our horse treck.

  This is Bart, he was my horse during the treck.  He was a very good horse, but a little stubborn at first. :)

  Looking across Lake Taupo from a scenic out look.

  Me at the scenic out look of Lake Taupo...I'm not sure if Jess knew she was in the picture too or not. :)

  Me on the shore of Lake Taupo.  It was a rather windy day, but luckily we did not get rained on during our pictures and our horseback ridding trip. 

  One last look at Lake Taupo.  The deep blue that we saw did not turn up in these pictures very well, unfortunately...but it was a fun trip.

  Accost the street from the information center Jess noticed there was this phallic looking tree.

  We decided that we could not pass up such a photo opportunity, Jess and I in front of the tree.

  One of my professors told me about these signs.  They are made out of...tin?...it is what kiwi roofs are traditionally made out of.

  The town of Tirau has made a tradition out of these signs, just about all of the businesses have their signs made out of these material.

    It was night so I was only able to take a few pictures that would turn out.  I think that they are really neat.

   On the left of this sheep dog there is a shepherd, the dog is a building, and on the right is another building in the shape of a sheep...they are all made out of that material. 

  Just a few nights ago, June 12th, I notice that the Sky Tower has changed colors again...now it is a bright neon green and there is a small read area.  That is the best picture that turned out.