Tours Day 5 - Waitomo to Taupo

Glow Worms, Caves and Water Falls 

Waitamo Top10 camp site was gorgeous when we woke in the morning sun, however, we were due at the Spellbound Glowworm Caves half an hour away by 08:40 so it was a quick breakfast and off.

So much cannot be accompanied by a phot and the incredible rolling limestone countryside on the way with dramatic deep valleys, outcrops and an odd aspect of tall thin trees adding an element of Tuscany. 

We had chosen Spellbound mainly due to availability when booking about 4 weeks before departure but were  absolutely delighted. The visit began with a minibus across the farm before hiking 10 minutes down through amazing lush plants to the first cave entrance.

Kieran our guide was a younger member of the farming family under whos land the caves were and had been visiting them since childhood. He gave us an excellent tour with loads of great information to add to the experience.

Before entering the first cave we were introduced to two large eels lazing in the stream, the larger on apparently 30-50 years old.

The whole area is comprised of limestone which unlike home in the UK has a lot of sand layers creating the impression of old ruined buildings.

Limestone outcrops

Sand layers separating limestone layers creating a manmade appearance

helmets fitted for glowworm cave exploration

large eel instream near entrance

We collected our helmets and lights and entered the first cave encouraged to limit the use  of our lights to accustom to the dark. After a while we came to a large inflatable boat and the 12 members of our group climbed on board. No phone lights so everyone could accustom and enjoy and over about 20 minutes we drifted through passages with ceiling covered in the green-blue dots of light. 

I'll leave you to look up if you wish but gems of info included a brighter light if the were hungry and they are all separate because they are intensely territorial and actually fight if too close. There food source is other insects and larvae in the water course.  

I got no usable photo's but the guide emailed us pictures taken on a better phone camera  after wards. The first showing the glow worms on the roof and eerie moonlit effect reflection in the stream is true to experience after a significant time in the cave with no light at all allowing maximum night vision. 

Exiting the glow worm cave we enjoyed a brew, biscuit and chat before heading into the second and more conventional walk-through cave seeing many feature including bones from the extinct Moa bird which had caused excitement some years ago when in was thought a new dinosaur with feathers had been discovered only to discover that not only was it not a new discovery but it even had a name. Extinction was a result of hunting and eating by Mauri.

unusual horizontal growth, helictites, developed with evaporation

gorgeous morning colours above ground

We had travelled West across the North Island to the Caves and were now traveling East again to Lake Taupo. As we moved West, we left the volcanic regions behind and the countryside had become very friendly with rolling hills and green grasses.

We travelled to North of Taupo and the Aratiata Rapids. These former rapids were left dry following the  building of a dam but several times a day massive amounts of water are released into them cascading through and filling the pools and channels.  Anticipation is high at the various viewing locations and horns blast warning that the flood it to come. We chose the highest view point where we could see the overall picture and whilst it was interesting and a worthwhile spectacle, the anticipated drama wasn't there. At the height we were we didn't get any high volume of noise and the area is so large that the progression of the torrent seems slow. If I visited again, I would go to a lower point in the hope of more drama.

A little disappointed but enjoying the walk and views we returned and drove to Hukka Falls. Again, not quite what we had expected as we thought it was a long drop falls but, a huge volume of water channels through a narrow gap in the rock before being ejected several feet up into the river again. A pedestrian bridge crosses the torrent and the volume and visible force of the water is extraordinary. A very pleasant walking and viewing area which we enjoyed very much in spite of incorrect expectations. A feature of this type in the English Lake District would be called a Force and would be very appropriate here with the force of the water channeled through.

Hukka Falls 'force' where river contained within gorge

Hukka Falls

at Hoka Falls

Hukka Falls from overlook

Statistics: Miles today: 113 ; Miles so far: 534 ; Fuel added so far: 63 litres ; North Island; Time Zone: UTC +13 New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT )

Tour Day 4 - Rotorua to Waitomo

Geo Thermal and Volcanic Day 2 

Fozzie gets a name

Before leaving we serviced the RV, empty grey water, fill fresh, empty toilet canister and recharge chemicals. get rid of any rubbish.  The joys of van life.

Our motorhome is now named Fozzie. We were being highbrow and giving it a Mauri name and had decided on Waka, meaning canoe which is how the Mauri explored new worlds. However, we couldn't get out of our heads Fozzie Bear saying what sounded like Waka, Waka and gave up our lofty intentions and settled for Fozzie.

Thermal Wonderland

 A good fun few hours at Thermal Wonderland. There is the Lady Knox geyser which is seeded at 10am every day which we had as a target time but on arrival we decided to head into the main volcanic area while everyone else drove or walked to the geyser 'experience'. We have seen large geysers in the US and felt we could forgo it for the pleasure of wandering a quiet park which was a good decision as it filled up as we were leaving.

As you browse the photos, remember blogs only contain the best. We really enjoyed our few hours at Thermal Wonderland largely because of the long walks up and down through bush and few really good features.

characteristic of this volcanic area, steam randomly appearing in the undergrowth

minerals creating colours

high and low bush whilst exploring

blue pool

orange bands when steam blows away

On the way out of the park we diverted to a mud pool which was free yet one of the best features we saw with amusing plops of mud burping into the air. 

bubbling mud

Shop stop for stores and Lynne highly amused by returning the 'trundler'

Statistics: Miles today: 129 ; Miles so far: 421 ; Fuel added so far: 63 litres ; North Island; Time Zone: UTC +13 New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT )

Tour Day 3 - Rotorua

 Mauri Village and Geothermal Day

It was quite cool overnight but still my first night of something like proper sleep since leaving home and most welcome though only 6 hours.

Miserable weather, dull, misty and continuing rain with no prospect of improvement.

We landed lucky at the Mauri village with an excellent guide and the rain stayed light during our tour. It is odd living in a village environment with random bits of ground emitting steam and dangerous 100C bubbling pools. We had a good morning exploring the site which was very atmospheric with a combination of light rain and steam.

During the tour we were given sweetcorn just lifted from the boiling water as villagers had cooked for years. It was very good.

ANZAC memorial arch in memory of villagers lost

crusty volcanic pool

view across site with features and steam from vents

geothermal oven for cooking food

mauri traditions stories, song, dance, performance. Surprisingly excellent.

look back exiting geothermal area

We returned to the RV and moved on to another Geothermal park a little South but decided it looked too busy and bought a good coffee from the kiosk at accompany an omelets that Lynne knocked up in the van before continuing to the afternoon entertainment.

Hell's Gate geo-thermal Mud Bath and Spa

The weather continued wet and we nearly didn't go to the Mud Spa but we were so glad we did. It was fun and physically enjoyable. 20 minutes in the mud bath then as long as you liked in the warm Sulphur spa pools and the cold fresh water plunge pool. Far from our normal thing but we made full use of all and loved it.

Mud Bath

View from Sulphur spa pool

Happy faces in the Spa 

Cloudy skies and light rain didn't matter

general view

After a good day in spite of the weather we both felt down in the evening. A mix of extreme tiredness and disappointment at the weather over the last few days. Journeying is more taxing than anticipated.

We found a local Dominoes pizza for our evening meal which left enough for tomorrow's lunch.

10:00pm bed again. We seem to be settling to 07:00 to 22:00.

Statistics: Miles today:39 ; Miles so far: 331 ; Fuel added so far: zero litres ; North Island; Time Zone: UTC +13 New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT )

Tour Day 2 - Hehei Beach to Rotorua

 Rainy Day

We were up early and the forecast was for rain so we grabbed the chance and had a pleasant  amble and paddle before breakfast. By the time we headed back to the van, the drizzle had started.

Breakfast eaten and a bit of a clear up and we drove out into the rain at 10:15.

High winding roads through fern trees and palms and through pasture with lots of smallish cattle. We guessed young beef cattle fattening up on the lush grasses. Later we encountered fruit growing areas with garlands of Kiwi vines sheltered behind crazily tall hedges.  Adverts for Kiwis and Avos (Avocado) local sales along the roadsides.

Most of the day's drive was in heavy or torrential rain and very tiring .

We arrived at All Seasons site in Rotorua 5:30-ish and chilled with a cider before using the rest of the chicken with a pasta sauce.  No wine as we were heading out in the RV again later.

The evening adventure was an after sunset high level walkway through a redwood forest. Narrow suspended bridges swung between trees and platforms with decorative lighting above an below. We both found it most enjoyable considering I don't like heights and Lynne doesn't like rope bridges.

Feet in the Pacific. Pre-breakfast beach walk

Hehei Beach early morning before the rain

Rainy view through the window by breakfast time

Tropical roadsides (1)

Tropical roadsides (2)

Evening Redwoods Tree Walk at Rotorua

lit up forest floor below the  walkways

fern tree below walkway

Statistics: Miles today: 135 ; Miles so far: 292 ; Fuel added so far: zero litres ; North Island; Time Zone: UTC +13 New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT )

Tour Day 1 - Auckland to Hehei Beach

Motorhome Pickup Day

We started the day up at 06:30. Having largely packed the night before, we enjoyed the SkyCity breakfast before meeting our driver in reception at 08:00.

We checked in at the Maui RV depot about 8:45 but didn't get on the road for another 1.5 hours. It turned out that the van we were allocated had just come in with the cover of the eclectic connection broken off. We helped ourselves to a few odds and ends, sugar, choc-peanut spread and some cloths from the returns shelves but that was about it.

It was bright and sunny as we joined the highway heading for our first stop at a large supermarket to lay in stores, A cock-up with Google navigation put us back the way we had come on the Highway instead of  into the car park but after a 10km loop we were in Woolworth's Countdown.

Somewhat brain frazzled from journeys, lack of sleep and just alien surroundings we spent well over an hour but cam back to the RV with a shopping trolley (Trundler) overflowing.

It was 13:00 when we finally began our journey East  across the long flat road toward Thames and the start of the Coromandel Peninsula. We could see the distant hill ranges to the North as we turned away from the flat open lands to work our way up the bays and inlets of the West coast.  The sun on the blue-green sea and the sandy bays were lovely to drive by. The population is well spread with small
 concentrations.

We overshot our turn East just to see Coromandel town which was very pretty and quaint, a sort of cross between and old Western town and a pastel shaded Disney creation.

The road over the peninsula East wound tightly up and down 'lumpy' ancient volcanic hills with occasional stunning views over the islands.

Our RV Coromandel peninsula West Coast

Coromandel peninsula West Coast looking North

Crossing Coromandel peninsula viewpoint back West to islands

Hehei Beach campsite; view from our pitch

Relaxing as holiday finally starts

Moon over the sea from our beach walk

We arrived at Hehei Beach about 5:30. It was a beautiful evening and our pitch sea view pitch was well worth the extra paid as we chilled with wine soaking up the sea view and small islands.

A great meal of ready roast chicken and garlic potatoes followed by a post-sunset walk on the beach with an amazing moon reflection before early bed at 10pm.

 

Statistics: Miles today: 157 ; Miles so far: 157 ; Fuel added so far: zero litres ; North Island; Time Zone: UTC +13 New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT )

Auckland Recovery Day

Friday and a recovery day from flights, time zones and lack of sleep.

SkyCity hotel is just the job; big comfortable room and a really good buffet breakfast. Highlight of breakfast was watching the centre of operations for building a new convention centre with comings and goings of all sort of people and vehicles and the landing point for all the high crane ops.

We took our time before walking half an hour to the museum where we spent a few hours learning Mauri history as they migrated across the Pacific from the Philippines to Fiji, Hawaii, Easter Islands and eventually New Zealand.

Our walk took us across couple of parks and it was amazing to see flowers in bloom and small grass that was inviting to sit on.  I hadn't really appreciated the North-South hemisphere switch in the seasons. I knew it but to experience it was different.

It also struck me that the 12 hour time difference was nothing to do with the hemisphere switch but just being 180 degrees out around the spin of the earth and whatever was North of us was also 12 hours out but in the same season as home.

Busier bit of town with all the designer brands

SkyCity tower just outside our hotel. Looks reminiscent of Russian rocket boosters.

Auckland inner harbour and the city

looking out to sea

expensive boats

"Tepid Baths"! with a focus on Tepid. Looks a bit of a wreck from outside but there is a full size vintage pool - presumably containing tepid water. 

We finished the day with a great meal at Monsoon Poon though we ate so much we regretted it when trying to sleep later.

The piers at the marina were set out with food stalls, music and lights for a coming sailing week so we ambled around looking at the boats for a while before heading back for the night.