We are filling up our days, and still feel like we need another day in Hamilton. Today we went to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Raglan town and beach, Wainui Reserve Lookout, and back to Hamilton for Gourmet in the Garden. Sadly, we missed Hamilton Gardens due to mistaken timing. It closes at 5 and we weren't back in time.
Waitomo Cave was incredible. I don't really know why I didn't go 20 year ago, but it was on my list this time because I regretted not going. It was a short tour into the cave, walk in, boat out. The really incredible part of the cave, which is just your standard limestone hole in a mountain, is the glowworms. We weren't allowed to take any pictures; I suppose I could look for some online. The glowworms, which are actually maggots, look like stars in a black sky. They eat by expelling a goopy string of mucus a few inches down into the cave, which catches unsuspecting insects that are attracted to the bioluminescent glow. When you illuminate the strands you can see them, like this:
Waitomo Cave was incredible. I don't really know why I didn't go 20 year ago, but it was on my list this time because I regretted not going. It was a short tour into the cave, walk in, boat out. The really incredible part of the cave, which is just your standard limestone hole in a mountain, is the glowworms. We weren't allowed to take any pictures; I suppose I could look for some online. The glowworms, which are actually maggots, look like stars in a black sky. They eat by expelling a goopy string of mucus a few inches down into the cave, which catches unsuspecting insects that are attracted to the bioluminescent glow. When you illuminate the strands you can see them, like this:
Otherwise (and more appealing), they look like stars:
The boat tour took us into a cavern that was covered in glowworms and then down a short passage to the outside. We were allowed to take pictures at the exit of the caves, so here we are:
After the caves we visited the Otorohanga Kiwi House. We realized (I already knew) that the best way to actually see a Kiwi was to find one in captivity. Indeed, we found some! But we also found a bunch of other birds, which was cool. We checked Kiwi siting off our list. They are nocturnal, so their enclosure is dark. You can definitely see them if you let your eyes adjust and wait patiently for one to bob by, but you can't get any pictures. They look like this though: Fluffy brown blobs with a big beak, roughly the size of a chicken. |
After the Kiwi house we drove to Raglan Beach via a remote route that took us past quarries on a dirt road, over hills, and through farms. I wanted to visit Raglan because it's one of the spots outside of Hamilton that was easy to get to via bus. We went there a few times during the study abroad semester. It is clearly a local summer hang out. There were people everywhere enjoying the gorgeous weather, swimming in the bay, and having picnics.
We came back to town for Gourmet at the Garden and back to the hotel to pack up. For future reference: Don't overpack. It's stressful.
Also, there is a world wide secret language among children, particularly girls, age 4-10: If someone nearby does a cartwheel EVERYONE must start cartwheeling.
Also, all kids climb trees.
Also, American kids are on their phones way more than kiwi kids. We've instated a "no phones during the day policy" and Preston actually said he likes it. What a novel idea; living your life.
Also, all kids climb trees.
Also, American kids are on their phones way more than kiwi kids. We've instated a "no phones during the day policy" and Preston actually said he likes it. What a novel idea; living your life.