Gorgeous gardens and glittering glowworms

Woke a little early but we'd gone to bed early and exhausted and a good 10 hours sleep was all we needed.  Had a leisurely breakfast, then woke the girls and were on the road by 9am.  Found our way out of Auckland easily and headed on down the motorway.  We got to Hamilton mid morning and stopped by the river  at the Hamilton Gardens.  I'd read somewhere they were worth a look but was amazed at just how extensive and interesting they were.  All laid out in little surprise parcels with different themes found through winding paths or doorways or behind hedges - Italian Renaissance, Japanese Contemplation, English Tudor, American modernist, Sustainable, Maori, Scented etc etc.  Very lovely even in the depths of winter - must be absolutely stunning in spring/summer with the wisteria covering the pergolas and flowers in all the flowerbeds.

Continued on down to Otorohanga and stopped for a lunch of yummy roast meat rolls or wraps (I had pork roll with gravy and crackling) then back in the car and on to the Waitomo Caves.  Drove straight to the Glow-worm caves and just in time for the 1.30pm tour.  Headed down into the cave and no noticeable difference between the temperature inside as compared to outside.  It's a bit cooler today but still not officially 'cold'.  Whilst the limestone cave formations are similar to those in south-west Australia, the big difference is that the stalactites in this cave were dripping with water so are still growing.  Descended deep into the cave and then hopped into the boats for the peaceful float out along the river and past millions of glowing larvae on the roof the cave and then back out into the daylight where, alas, the rain had finally set in.   A quick browse in the gift shop where the girls got a souvenir or two and then back to the car and checked in to our chalet at the Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park.  

Off loaded bags then changed into boots and rain jackets and headed back out to the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve.  The rain was persistent but light enough that we could happily do the 40 minute circuit walk along the Waitomo River and through natural tunnels and small caves.  Very lovely and the misty, moisty weather just made it prettier.   Might have to invest in better umbrellas though - mine's so tiny it really only kept my head dry!

Back to the chalet for a cuppa and some dry clothes and then up to Curly's Bar for some pub grub and to watch the news.  We've not had any internet all day so were shocked and saddened to see on the news about the death of Phil Walsh (a 1 minute story squeezed in between 20 minutes of stories on rugby!!)  Lovely warm pub and had a yummy steak and stout pie which was appropriate tucker for the weather.  Back home for a bit of telly watching and hair straightening (not Larry though!) before bed.