First time zone to ring in 2023,happy new year everyone! 🎉🍾❤️😎

Spent the day driving inland up to the mountains (which are all active volcanos in this region). Breathtaking views, and it’s nice to get some cooler weather.

Stopped to check out a logging/timber museum that preserved an old logging camp/town from the early 1900s

Shawn next to a big ass timber saw

Laurie playing with the big timber claw game

Original church from the logging camp/town

Saw this blast from the past and stopped to buy a few essentials

Went shopping for some blue light specials

Stopped in the lake town of Taupo on the way for lunch. Tried our hand at attempting to make a hole-in-one on the floating platform

Came so close!

No hole in one for Shawn either, but he did hit the platform

The dumbass in the background wouldn’t leave, so he’s in our picture

On the way into Ohukane we finally got good looks at the active volcanos pumping out steam and gasses. The views here are unbelievably beautiful.

Island in the middle of Lake Taupo

Volcanic vent spewing smoke on the side of the volcano Mt. Tongariro

Another active cinder cone that was also shot as Mt. Doom in Lord of the Rings

Snowy Mt. Ruapehu

view of the glacier capped volcano from our hotel

delicious dinner with beautiful views

trying to win on the last slots for 2022 at a bar in the town

Back at the hotel to ring in the new year!

Happy 2023 New Years!

Pairs well with the champagne tonight

Drinking our champagne and watching fireworks people are setting off in nearby neighborhoods

Off to bed so we can get up for our kayak adventure tomorrow. Happy New Years everyone, love you all!!