New Zealand (Waitomo)

After Rotorua we headed over the West coast of New Zealand. We had heard so much about the caves of Waitomo we decided to go and check them out. They are famous for the glow-worms that live in the caves, but they don't let you take any pictures of them.

On a walkway built over a river along a high limestone cliff on the hike to the Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

A suspension bridge in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve.

We were the only people for miles. What happens at the Mangapohue Natural Bridge stays at the Mangapohue Natural Bridge...

It may not look scary, but it wasn't easy to get on top of that outcropping for this picture.

Hey Leah. Which way to the Marokopa Falls? Oh...nevermind.

Marokoap Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand (if I am remembering correctly)

Me coming out of a cave. I thought I might have seen Gimly in there, but it was pretty dark.

If you haven't noticed by now, Leah really likes crossing bridges. Lucky for her there are so many in Waitomo.

These lambs were owned by a blond lady from England who bottle fed them every morning and evening. Every time Leah walked by them they got really excited because they thought she was that lady. They made funny noises, jumped around in their pen and waggled their tails. You can't tell in this picture, but Leah was actually scared of them!

Leah inside the Waitomo Cave. There is a river flowing through it down below and some people float through on inner-tubes.

Welcome to the Hotel Waitomo

Such a lovely place

Such a lovely face

They livin' it up at the Hotel Waitomo

What a nice surprise, bring your alibis

We explored a giant apple on the side of the road and ate ice-cream at the cafe next door.

Leah enjoying her Jaffa flavored ice-cream. What's Jaffa? Exactly. We had to try it. Apparently it's orange and chocolate mixed together. I gave it a 5/10...

Leah sampling my much tastier ice cream (seen below) in front of a vineyard in Napa Valley...I mean...New Zealand.

This was my liquorice ice cream!!!! 9.5/10