New Zealand - day 1

After 24 hours in transit, we finally arrived in New Zealand. It was raining but we were so happy to finally be here. After months of planning, and reorganizing...

Car rental, check, get snacks and water - only got snacks a small waters, stop at ATM - check, remember to drive on the left side of the road - check.

First stop - Waitomo Caves. I picked Ruakuri Cave (means 2 dogs) because it's supposed to have great cave formations, be 1.5 miles,  have glowworms and is the one they do the blanket rafting in. I was so glad I had picked this one. Both Waitomo cave and Ruakuri have glowworms but Ruakuri has them so close, you can see their little nets for catching other insects. I thought this was particularly impressive. Also, the cave formations were great. Finally, Waitomo just seemed much too crowded and touristy.

I had plan to bring a couple of the sandwiches they gave us on the plane but customs made me throw them out so we were super hungry after the caves. We had lamb kebabs at Turko Kebab in Orotanga and it was fantastic. Highly recommend. 

We checked into Waitomo Orchard B&B and quickly fell asleep soon thereafter. 

It was a great first day.