Waitomo/Rotorua/Bay of Plenty

So far, we adore New Zealand. Crystal clear water, an abundance of tropical plants, and pastoral rolling pastures rife with fluffy sheep, cows and turkeys. And kind, incredibly friendly people from all over the world.

From Auckland, we journeyed south through Waitomo, which means water that flows into the earth.  We went Black Water Rafting, which entailed climbing down into limestone caves and then tubing and climbing and jumping over waterfalls, then floating through dark caverns with extraterrestrial 'constellations' of blue glow worms (actually Fungus Gnat larvae, but that's a whole different story that involves aged bug smoothies...). 

Constellation of Glow Worms

 

 

 

(What they look like in light)

Truly other-worldly!

All geared up for the caves.

After that, we visited Marokopa Falls, which was absolutely spectacular. It was so beautiful I got goosebumps! It's as if somebody created a backdrop that would facilitate the perfect waterfall, and then positioned a wide river at the top of it. Truly breathtaking.

 

Marokopa Falls

Then we explored Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty. There's a lot of geothermal activity in the region, which includes sulphuric hot springs on the bank of the Rotorua Caldera. To earn our afternoon soak, we climbed Mt. Manganui, which led to some epic ocean vistas. The photos don't do the colors justice, the sea blended a million different shades of teal and green!

Brian spent the hike looking forward to a dip in the bay at the end. I just waded in the *cold* water while he swam - where other swimmers were wearing wet suits. (He decided that he was sufficiently refreshed when he noticed a couple of large jellyfish keeping him company.)

 

On our way up Mt. Manganui

View of the Bay of Plenty from the summit

Cooling off in the Bay after the hike down

 

Our last day there, we took a gondola up the mountain for a great view of the lake, and spent a couple of hours racing each other down 'luge' tracks. It was a little taste of Mario Kart powered by gravity, minus the banana peels.

 

 

After that, we explored a Redwood forest planted in honor of WWII soldiers. We hiked around a beautiful quarry during the day, then toured an elevated walkway after dark. The evening lighting was magical! The suspension bridges started about 3 stories high - probably this would have been an issue for me if I could clearly see the ground, but my fear of heights didn't distract me in the dark. It is a really cool and innovative installation.

 

He calls this "Tree Pose in the Trees"

 

Also, this is the region where kiwi fruit is grown. I've never seen a kiwi plant before, and thought we were driving through some really hearty grape vines until I realized they were kiwis! (So far, the golden variety are my favorite to eat!)

 

 

Lake Rotorua

Geothermal activity near the baths

Thanksgiving in Hawaii

This week we kicked off what is sure to be an epic month with a visit to O’ahu, celebrating with Max while Cait is deployed.  Yesterday he led us up the Diamond Head Crater and we had clear skies for a great view of Honolulu. We definitely earned the fresh poke bowls and Howzit hazy's we treated ourselves to afterward, and it was worth every stair!

View of the crater from the top.

Some cuties we met at the top.

View from the bunker at the top of Diamond Head.

Post-hike lunch and brews.

He hosted friendsgiving on Wednesday night and made an amazing Beef Wellington, then we had our least traditional Thanksgiving yet - we took turkey sandwiches to the beach and watched a bunch of honus (some gorgeous, very large green sea turtles) floating in the surf. On our way home from the beach, the Dole Plantation was surprisingly open(and incredibly busy), so we stopped in for some fresh Dolewhip and a short wander around their garden.

Haleiwa Beach Park

Haleiwa Beach Park

Haleiwa Beach Park

Hau'oli Lā Ho'omaika'i (Happy Thanksgiving) 

Baby pineapple

According to the Dole directional we have 4400 miles to go...

 

A hiu hou - tomorrow we are Auckland-bound!

 

Bound for the Southern Hemisphere

It's been a while since I have felt like anything happening in our life merited posting in this forum.  But for over two years, we've been planning a trip to New Zealand, and it's evolved into what I expect will be an epic experience. 

I traveled to Greece with a friend last year, and she faithfully posted about our adventures every day.  I received so much positive feedback about that from my friends and family who read her descriptions and saw our photos, that I have decided to attempt to share our upcoming adventures.  Not everyday - but at least about each region we visit. 

We'll start out visiting Max on O'ahu for Thanksgiving, then head to Auckland and spend 12 days exploring the North Island.  Then we'll fly to Queenstown and spend 8 days exploring the South Island.  We'll fly from Christchurch back to Auckland and spend our last few days in the city, before returning to Colorado just in time for Christmas.  Follow along, if you'd like!

North Island Stops:  

South Island Stops: