NZ part 2

After a fun but quick weekend in Hamilton, we continued on with our road trip around the North Island. 

We woke up early to drive down to the famous glow worm caves in Waitomo. 

There was a series of 3 caves- the first famous for it's glow worms, and the last two had many staligtites and staligmite formations and rivers to admire. 

We learned a lot about the glow worms and their life cycle before we took a boat through the densely populated cave. It was definitely one of the most peaceful things as we sat in the boat on the smooth dark, black water in absolute quiet looking up at the glowing worms. God is real.

After the glow worms, we headed to the other caves to admire all the amazing rock formations.

The cool thing about New Zealand is that there are soooo many natural wonders everywhere you drive. Every day we pulled off the side of the road for a quick 5 minute walk to an arch, waterfall or lake. 

Close to the glow worm caves was the huuuuuge natural arch... so big you can't fit it all in a picture, so our pictures from the short walk will have to do. 

Also close to the glow worm caves was one of the prettiest waterfalls I've ever seen! 

 It looks almost too perfect and man made... but it's not. I could have stared at it all day!

We spent the night in Taupo- right next to the giant Lake Taupo in the middle of the island. It was a cute town, and again we had the nicest AirBnB. The New Zealanders were so hospitable.

In the morning we woke up to take a sail boat on the crystal clear lake to see the Maori Rock carving.

 It was a very comfortable boat, and we enjoyed just sitting back and taking in all the scenery.

Not too mention how amazingly cool is that rock carving?

After the sailing, we did a little bit of shopping, and ate the yummiest Gyros. 

Outside of Taupo are the very powerful Huka Falls. 

The water was so incredibly turquoise it was unbelievable!

We made it back on the road and headed an hour north to Rotorua. Rotorua is full of sulfur hot springs... so it's a little smelly. It's also full of many Maori cultural centers. So we spent the night with one of the Maori tribes, eating their traditional meals they cook in the ground from the hot springs, and enjoying a show. 

After Rotorua, we headed back to Auckland and spent the day shopping, eating and taking in the views of the city. 

And of course the stock exchange!

We took the short hike up to Mount Eden for great views of the city and burbs.

Some of the best times were just sitting at dinner with my in-laws talking about the gospel. 

Such a fun trip that I won't forget!