We started Thursday by checking out of our place in Hahei and heading south for about three hours.
We stopped along the way for coffee and cookies at a small little town along the way. This is the cookie that Beverly selected.
We arrived in Rotorura and checked into out small cabin at 8 Kiwi Lane. Just room enough for two bunk beds and a small space to turn around.
The first order of the day was to check out the hot tubs. It was a welcome rest after spending three hours in the car. It would have been welcome even without three hours in the car.
After a light dinner, Mike and Jan serenaded us with songs to athe accompaniment on the ukelele.
In the evening, we got a special tour to view an insect native to, and solely found in New Zealand—the larval glow worm. They only live in secluded, dark places with ready moisture.
Under red light, you can partly see the cliff face/overhang with the specks of luminescence like points of starlight in the dark.
Our guide was amazing, hiking us into the dark, lush, semi-tropical forest, telling us about geology, ecology, sociology, native plants and amimals, and the life cycle of the insects that are the glow worms. He also took and share some amazing photos that he took of us. This one is us standing in front of a waterfall coming down out of the hills.
Real Rotorua web site
Stephen's Facebook page for Tours
Real Rotorua web site
Stephen's Facebook page for Tours