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Published: August 7th 2007
Waitomo caves
Black water rafting, all we need now is some water.Waitomo
Waitomo is famous for its glow worms- larvae of fungus knats that live in the caves around here. We went on a black water rafting trip to see them, basically we rafted on inner tubes in caves with waterfalls and slides along the way. It was fantastic but as you can imagine, very cold! The glow worms are amazing to see, like stars in the night sky.
Rotorua
Another adventure city and a thermal area to boot! We had to try out zorbing as its the only place they seem to do it. They put hot water in the zorb too, we got drenched but it was a lot of fun- like being in a huge washing machine! I tried out the swoop too- jon refused as it was from 47m high(I dont know how he managed that bungee as this seems safer to me!). I was strapped in a hang gliding suit, hoisted 47m up and then I had to pull a cord to be hurtled 130kms/hr forwards , I loved it. Jons adrenaline fix came from the sprint car drive, I spent the whole time in the car screaming but we both enjoyed it!
In the
Waitomo
Black water rafting. Falling backwards from a 2 metre water fall into freezing cold water, we know how to have a good time. afternoon we went to meet Beverley at the hotel. Its lovely to see someone we know after months of seeing only strangers. Wow a hotel!It was fabulous, we all enjoyed free cocktails , dinner in the pheasant plucker( not easy to say when you have had a few!)and then a late night thermal spa!!Its like heaven!
We tried to get some Bev photos but shes a little camera shy! The next day we spent the day in the thermal Kuirau park and then went to do some whitewater rafting on the Kaituna river while Bev was at the conference. It was brillant, I couldnt stop grinning the whole time. Although we were a little nervous going down a 7m waterfall- especially when it filled with water at the bottom!
In the evening we went to a maori cultural show and hangi (where they cook the food underground- with thermal volcanic heat)lots of meat involved which Jon loved. Bread and butter pudding for afters but Im not sure how maori that is! he he! There was lots of face pulling chest slapping and shouting involved but it was very interesting to see, Jon had a go at the war dancing
Waitomo
Black water rafting. See? Mich loved every second of it. and Bev and I had a go at the poi dance. Sunday we spent in the thermal area of Waio tapu which was very impressive, its a hot steamy place with geysers and colourful pools. It bizarre seeing all these things as I havent seen anything like this before anywhere, Its like the volcanoe is ready to erupt any minute.
Auckland
We are currently in Browns Bay Auckland enjoying being in one place for a little while in Barbara and Toms beautiful apartment. The campervan has gone hurrah!We are going to have a couple of lazy days before springing back into action on Wednesday when we are going to Bev and Steves bach in the Bay of Islands!
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Jenny
non-member comment
I like the video - are you shrieking or laughing?! Jon you big wuss, how can you dangle from a bit of elastic but not fly in a sleeping bag? Having said that, I don't think I'd do it!!!! Nice Haka by the way :)