We checked out of the hotel in Auckland and boarded our very comfortable bus, driven again by Jeremy.
We drove south on Highway 1, through dairy area, Waikato. We had our first sheep sightings. Lots of cows too. The countryside is so green; rather different than California in the summer.
After about an hour and a half, we stopped at The Village Cafe in Whatawhata (my favorite name so far). I didn't think I needed to eat again, but the pastries and baked good looked delectable. I had a huge cheese scone (with super creamy NZ butter) and a latte. Super friendly staff.Loved the sign near the playground: Caution, free range children.
Back on the road. Made a short stop in Otorohanga to see the Ed (Sir Edmund) Hillary walkway. Very educational displays of many aspects of life in NZ.
Closer to the caves, we had lunch at Roselands. Gorgeous grounds, newly renovated restaurant. Beautiful spread.
Then, what we've all been waiting for, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. There was a chance that we might not be able to enter the limestone caves, due to flooding caused by the incessant rain. Our Maori guide, George (a direct descendant of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave) said we could go in, but there would be some areas we couldn't enter. We weren't allowed take photos or videos inside, so as not to disturb the glowworms. George imparted upon us his love of the caves, worms, and the land. He explained to us the formations of stalactites (grow down from the ceiling), stalagmites (grow up from the cave floor), columns, and pillars. The caves soared into an area called The Cathedral. The acoustics were interesting (no echo). Bruce led us in a singalong to White Christmas. When I saw the first few Arachnocampa Luminosa, I thought they looked like LEDs. We boarded a small boat, to access another, water-filled cave with thousands of them. It was an astonishing site!
Back in the bus, we were all smiling. We headed onto our stop for the next 2 nights, the geothermally active Rotorua. As soon as we pulled into town, we saw steam rising from the thermal vents everywhere. The smell of the sulphur (hence the nickname "Rotten-Rua") was super strong. Ian told us we'd get used to it quickly. Checked into our rooms at the Millennium Hotel and had a few minutes to freshen up before dinner.
I grabbed a Lindauer sparkling wine to go with my delicious dinner. I sure hope my pants still fit me by the end of this trip!
Tomorrow will be another highlight, learning about the Maori culture. Can't wait!
Photo: Waitomo Glowworm Caves (downloaded from their website, as you can't take pictures inside)
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