Glowworm cruises, 5 flights of stairs, and mango margaritas

Today we left Rotorua in all its amazing steamyness to make our way to Auckland. After a sleepy coach ride, we arrived at the Waitomo glowworm caves. We were not allowed to take pictures inside the cave, but it was a pleasant and relaxing experience. We walked through the caves with a guide, then rode a boat throw the glowworm section, in total darkness and silence. I was impressed with the guide’s ability to navigate the waters in pitch black.

  

We were given a box lunch and got back on the bus to finish the route to Auckland. We were dropped at the bus station right down from our hostel. We took an accidental detour in a complete circle around the block, but eventually found our hostel. Then we realized the horrible truth- our hostel was on the 5th floor- and the elevator was out of commission until September! We took each flight at a time with all our baggage, but eventually made it. As we busted through the reception door, huffing and puffing, Hannah announced “THIS IS OFFICIALLY MY LEAST FAVORITE PLACE!” and proceeded to give the receptionist sass as I checked us in. 😂

We found our room, caught our breath, got a tour, and made plans for the evening. We decided to do all our errands while out to dinner as to not have to conquer the stairs more than once more today. We got dinner, including mango margaritas, at a nice Mexican restaurant immediately beside our hostel. After dinner, we got some groceries to help us through most of the week. Tomorrow is another long bus day as we head north to Bay of Islands.
  



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