Hobbiton, formally Mata Mata, Home of lord of the rings

Waitomo and the glowworms

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December 16th 2010
A short detour from the beaten track led us to Waitomo which you cant say has a lot to do. However it is home to the Waitomo limestone water caves which must be there number one (and only) attraction. These caves are home to the glow worms which is apparently unique to NZ. A walk through these caves was magnificent viewing the glow worms in their natural state, and we took a boat ride and viewed t ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Waitomo Caves

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The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year... ... read more