Oct 24th – Leaving Auckland behind, we began our slow trip southward. Today’s stop is at Waitomo Caves to see the glow worms. We arrived in time to have lunch at a cafe across from our B&B called Huhu. We enjoyed the ambiance and staff so much that we decided to reserve a spot for dinner too.

Unlike George and Jenn who did the tube tour through the caves we did a more civilized boat tour. Unfortunately, no cameras allowed so there were no pictures. You can check it out for yourself at http://www.waitomo.com.

 Despite the rain, we decided to take two short hikes in the afternoon – one to the Marikopa Falls (one of the most impressive waterfalls in NZ) and the other to Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

 

 

Our B&B is in town and our room is at the back of the complex – a beautiful, pastoral view surrounded by a lovely garden with two huge rhodos just outside our door in full bloom.