Getting to Auckland

Beware this is a long post; but well worth it :)

The kids and I drove to Auckland to pick up Grandma and Grandpa.  We left Monday, January 23rd, and did a bit of exploring on our drive up.  We picked them up on, Thursday January 26th .  Here are our adventures.

Owlcatraz

Our first stop was at Owlcatraz a farm and bird sanctuary.  It was a great first stop, especially since Kyle joined us.

Llanerchymed Bed and Breakfast

For our first night was stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast.  Our hosts were very kind and we enjoyed exploring their gardens.

Mangawhero Falls

Located in Tongariro National Park we  stopped to see this beautiful falls.  We could not hike to the bottom, but had some nice views as we hiked for a short 10 minutes.  We also could see it pouring over the edge of the cliff.

 Pictures taken on our drive to the falls.  The snow-capped mountains were a fun reminder of Idaho, and the second waterfall was a nice surprise.

 Waitomo Farm Stay

Our second night was spent at a nice cottage on a farm.  The kids enjoyed seeing all the animals and playing on the swings behind the cottage.

 

Waitomo Caves: Spellbound Tour

We were able to tour 2 caves.  The first was a short walk and then a boat ride among the Glow Worms.  It was an amazing sight!  The second was through a cave that was drier.  We saw stalactites, stalagmites, bones, and learned about fault lines.  Overall it was a very enjoyable trip.

  The first cave had all the glow worms which glowed in order to attract insects which it had a sticky string to catch.  Pictures really could not be taken in such a dark place, I included a image from the Spellbound website to show he glow worms.  As our eyes adjusted to the darkness they just seemed to multiply.

  In between the two caves we stopped for afternoon tea, scones and hot chocolate.

Our last drive to Auckland brought us to some natural wonders.  It was bit rainy which added to the green beauty.

 Mangapohue Natural Bridge

The hike to the bridge was in a narrow ravine made by a stream and a lot was right against the cliff.  It was fun!  The bridge itself was a collapsed cave.  Beautiful! 

 Marakopa Falls

This falls was well worth the walk.  You couldn't see it until you rounded the last corner, but you could hear it and then boom it was magnificent.  

 

 Piripiri Cave

After Waitomo caves this cave was quite small, but still an enjoyable short walk.  The girls stopped by a big rock to pose for pictures.