Waitomo
1/9 Thursday Buffet breakfast at the hotel, change out some US dollars to NZ one’s and we’re on our way south to the Waitomo Caves. Before leaving Auckland for the duration of our trip (except for a later stop over when we depart the country), I picked up an America’s Cup souvenir that Lisa bought for me… a very cool pullover top with all the emblems emblazoned on it as if I were one of the Americas’ Cup crew. Thank you Lisa! It is about a 2 1/2 hour trip from Auckland to Waitomo. At one point I think we are lost and ask directions from a truck driver. He is more helpful than we ever could have expected and draws us a map. It leads us right to where we need to go and if I would have followed Lisa’s instructions as first, we would have been on the right path too. While giving us instructions the poor fella spilled his soda so I insisted he take some money for his loss and his help. It as only $4 NZ he reluctantly but appreciatively took it and I felt absolved from the guilt I felt about him spilling his soda for his lunch while helping us find our way. Back on track now we move on to Waitomo. Waitomo is an area known for its wide array of underground caves. One of the more famous one’s has worms on the cave ceiling and they produce a glow similar to that of a firefly only these worms glow constantly, which attracts food. They eventually turn into a very ugly fly. The tour is about and hour and very enjoyable. We had curry chicken with rice and salad for lunch with lattes. Stroll around a bit more and then its east toward Rotorua where we will stay for two nights and use it as a sort of base where we can go off and do fun stuff. The drive is no less exciting than the one we took from the Bay of Islands to Auckland. It rains fiercely at times and continually, however it is a beautiful country rain or shine so it is a long 3 hours but beautiful and … another adventure. I think I’m getting more comfortable driving on the left side of the road.