Hitting the Road again…

Yes I know I keep reminding you that these are photos made earlier this year,  Like Tilly said, it’s like M*A*S*H, the TV series that lasted longer than the war it depicted … but I hope that you like the fact the I like to show you around in detail:  after all why tempt you with one beautiful plate of food when I can torture you with ten ? Why skim past some gems without giving them the credit they deserve? Since many of you do return to my blog for a second look I assume you like reading about it all as much as I enjoy writing about it. I just don’t want to deceive anyone who might think that these particular posts are “live” (anyone who tries to blog on the move will tell you just how hard that actually is, and certainly an in depth daily post would be neigh impossible.)

Today’s post is a scenic one as we head down the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island from the area of Waitomo to the area of New Plymouth. Let’s hit the road…

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

A Galaxy of Lights, Lit by Nature…

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post,  I have fond memories of the Waitomo Caves  from the time I visited as a young teen.

A lot has changed here in the intervening years because I remember a very small building where you got the tickets and not much else here in those days. Now there is an entire complex of buildings that include a visitors centre  and various tours and a whole host of accommodation options  for tourists.

We go inside and fully expect that since it’s getting late in the day that we will have to book tickets for the following morning, but we are in luck, there’s a tour going within the hour and there is space for Himself and the kids to join it.

Whilst we wait for the tour, Himself joins the queue and with the assistance of the friendly staff in the tourist information section, and after quite  bit of ringing around, our beds for the night are arranged. Once Himself and the kids leave for the caves, I take some photographs outside  and then make myself comfortable inside the visitors centre with postcards I’ve  bought and write to friends and family whilst I wait.

The kids come back all excited having seen the glow worms and the massive stalactite and stalagmite formations and Himself confesses that he hadn’t expected too much but was really impressed. The glow worms in some parts of the cave make a fantastic light display as boats pass by in near silence below them on the subterranean river. It’s the insect version of looking at a galaxy, and just as beautiful.

The cave system is extensive and depending on how much time, physical ability and daring you have there are quite a few options to go caving  with various degrees of difficulty as well as the general glow worm cave tours on offer.

Next time we are here in the district I hope to see far more than just postcards of the glow worm caves, until then here’s a small glimpse of what’s on offer, but I guarantee you that it’s even better if you ever manage to experience this amazing place in person.

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)