Day 19 Auckland to Rotorua with a stop at Waitomo Caves

Glad it was Saturday when we drove thru Auckland, almost no traffic while last night arriving was crawl speed on a 6 lane expressway, like going to LAX with Bob and Carolyn.  First stop was gas with a Micky D's and free WiFi, so we had to partake.  Coffee "long black" is espresso with hot water to make it about 6 oz; they do tea well and Chris likes hers white, so it is all good. Waitomo is a glow worm cave that is quite impressive - no pics allowed so as not to disturb the little buggers.  They grow threads like spider webs that have lights on the ends that attract bugs which they then eat.  The lights look like a green tinted starry sky.  Caves were formed 25 to 30 million years ago and white surveyors got the first look in about 1840.  Very well organized and executed for tours. 

Boat from glow worm river trip in Waitomo‏:

Then back east to Rotorua and a second fabulous B&B on the lake where we got upgraded to the suite, kitchen, laundry, whirlpool bath and a great couple. 

The view from our room in Rotorua:

Mass at the local church was almost all in the native Maori language, quite impressive.  Then we had dinner at the "Lone Star", a cowboy bar that was the most packed place we found.  Had a fun conversation with the owner and a very good dinner.  Back at the Akiri Lodge doing a load of wash while Chris soaks in the tub with a small glass of port.  I will try the port when I finish this post.

Will see Hobbit Town tomorrow!