Took a 09.00 bus to the west and the famous Waitomo Caves, close to the west coast. I managed to see two different caves. The first one was free to take pictures in. In the other all photographing was totally forbidden. Due to the famous inhabitants of whom I will tell you shortly. After visiting the first cave I ran into a couple from Germany. They’ve been around New Zealand for a while and gave me some good tips on places to go (like a new dolphin swim town) thanks and good continued journey guys! Next I went of on a trek back to the village (with 20 buildings). It was a nice path leading through herds of cows, creeks and hills. Of course I got lost and climbed a really huge hill just to turn back once I saw the fences on top of it… I reckon I should have felt it coming as this very different cow, probably of extra terrestrial origin, just kept staring at me as I started to climb the hill. I guess she wonder where I was going when all other passing humans went another, much easier way… Anyhow, back at the main attraction, the glow worm cave, I was ready to be amazed. And indeed I was. This cave was found in 1908 and has ever since been a major tourist attraction. At the bottom of its 50 meter deep interial runs a river on which you ride in a boat. Everything is pitch black. Except for the amazing glow worms. They are about 3 cm long and make the end of there body glow in a blue / green light. The cave is filled with them and it is like floating through universe when you pass under them. Milky way, Andromeda Galaxy and the Sun system are but a few of the constellation I imaged filled the cave. A great treat and a must see in New Zealand. Tomorrow morning I’ll be picked up at the hotel by a shuttle bus that goes to the town of Otorohanga and the 11.23 train to Wellington.
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