Wellington Zoo

As part of our bucket list we decided that we wanted to go see the Wellington Zoo before we left.  However, the day was hot and so a lot of the animals went into hiding.  

January 5, 2013

Waitomo Cave/ Aranui Cave

Waitomo Cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites and glowworms.  We were not allowed to take pictures inside of  Waitomo Caves but the history of this cave is that the local Maori people knew of these caves but they didn't reveal their secret until 1887 when Chief Tane Tinorau and Fred Mace floated into the cave on a raft down the Waitomo river with only candles.  When their eyes adjusted to the light they became aware of a multitude of glowworm lights all around them.  At the completion of the tour we boarded a boat and was amazed at the multitude of glowworms that covered the ceiling on the cave.

This is in the Aranui Cave.  In 1910 a young Maori named Ruruku Aranui and his dog discovered a new cave in the bush.  A wild pig they were chasing disappeared into a hole in the side of the hill and the dog followed in hot putsuit.  Its barking led Ruruku to the hole and crawling inside, he discovered a huge cavern.  This is considered to be one of the most beautiful caves in Waitomo.

This is the entrance to Waitomo Cave (the glowworm cave)

This is stalactites and stalagmites.

December 31, 2012

Now our vacation is over and tonight we head to Taupo to spend the night and then onto Wellington on New Year's Day.  Happy New Year's!!!

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens has a variety of different gardens based on different areas of the world.  There is a Chinese, English Flower, Japanese, American Modernist, Italian Renaissance, Indian Char Bagh, Te Parapara, Kitchen, and Herb Gardens.

Italian

Chinese

Japanese

Maori

Japanese

Maori

Kitchen Garden

December 30, 2012

Auckland/ A.H. Reed Park

A.H. Reed Park is located outside of Whangarei and has the Kauri tree which is one of the largest trees grown in New Zealand.

This is from the top of Mt. Eden overlooking the city of Auckland which is much larger than Wellington.

The Sky Tower is in the background.

This is at the top of One Tree Hill.

December 29, 2012