Visit New Zealand: Huka Falls

After visiting three different geothermal parks in one day, we were exhausted, but we couldn't leave Taupo without a stop at Huka Falls.

More than 220,000 liters of water per second is sent over an 11-meter high waterfall.

A footbridge takes you right over the rushing Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river.

You can opt to for a riverside walk with various viewing stops, but since we did not have the time nor energy, we simply took a quick glimpse and some photos.

The power of the water was undeniable!  It was an incredible force of nature to witness.

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Visit Auckland: Sky Tower

On our last day in Auckland, we decided to visit the Sky Tower. We walked through the 328m tall Sky Tower's observation deck, and stood atop glass panels that were quite unnerving (despite how solid they were).

The views were great - we could see the numerous buildings, the harbor, the parks, and more. 

However, we dined at Orbit prior to visiting the observation deck, where in my opinion, it was so much better to see the views.  There were a lot less people at the restaurant, and you could enjoy the views at your leisure, while you dined.

Either way - through Orbit or through the Observation Deck, you will get spectacular views of Auckland from the Sky Tower.

Sky Tower
Victoria St W

Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

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Visit New Zealand: Ruakuri Cave

While planning our trip to New Zealand, we knew we wanted to see the glowworms.  We decided to book two different tours, one of which was the Ruakuri Cave Tour.

This approximately two-hour tour will take you through the amazing Ruakuri Cave to get up close and personal with spectacular formations.

The spiral entrance itself is pretty amazing, and once you enter Ruakuri Cave, you are treated to some amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations

It's pretty incredible how a single drop of water can produce such beautiful structures over thousands and thousands of years.

The different textures and colors, all created by nature, were quite a sight to see!

At times it was a bit trepidatious walking beneath jagged and pointed limestone formations.  Careless and selfish visitors have tarnished and even broken off parts of the cave, but be forewarned - there is absolutely no touching of any parts of the cave or you could be fined!

Other features of the cave looked graceful, such as the crystalline drapes (or bacon, as some have called them!).

Our guide did a fantastic job in explaining how the stalactites and stalagmites formed, as well as telling stories behind different parts of the cave.

The Mirror Pool was one of my favorites. It's also known as Gollum's pool (from Lord of the Rings fame!).

Another highlight was being able to see the glowworms.  The glowworms are actually maggots (glowworms sound so much nicer!).

Gloworms are actually suspended from a sticky fiber of mucus, which attracts food.  Once the guide turns on the lights, you'll be able to see these interesting, and somewhat pretty filaments.  

You're able to take photos of the glowworms at Ruakuri Cave.  It was quite difficult, as you can tell by my photo below, but if you have an amazing camera you should be able to capture spectacular photos.

At the end of our tour, upon our ascent up the spiral, our guide went into song.  It was such an enchanting and, dare I say - spiritual, end to an amazing tour through Ruakuri Cave!

Ruakuri Cave

205 Ruakuri Rd

Waitomo 3985
+64 7 878 6219

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Visit Rotorua: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is one of the most amazing places on earth that I have ever visited, and if you are in the Rotorua area, I highly recommend this attraction as a must-visit.

A result of thousands and thousands of years of volcanic activity, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland's geothermal system extends over 18-square kilometers.  

There are three main features of Wai-O-Tapu - the Lady Knox Geyser, which is presented at 10:15am daily, the Geothermal Park, and the Mud Pool.

Our family visited the Geothermal Park, which can be done in three different walks:  Walk 1 = 45 minutes; Walk 1 & 2 = 60 minutes; Walks 1, 2 & 3 = 90 minutes. Our family did all 3 walks in just under 90 minutes, including time to take photos.

We saw numerous craters throughout Wai-O-Tapu, which were caused by acidic steam coming from underground, causing the ground to collapse. 

Different colors that blanket the craters are caused by oxidized minerals (purples - manganese oxide; red / brown - iron oxide; yellow - sulphur).

Mahanga Rua

Te Rua Uenuku (Rainbow Crater)

We also encountered the Ipu, which was a mud pool consisting of unrefined crude oil.

Ipu

One of my favorite features of Wai-O-Tapu was the Champagne Pool, the largest hot spring in New Zealand. It gets its name from bubbles caused by carbon dioxide, which creates a Champagne-like effect.

Champagne Pool

The colors that were created by nature were absolutely stunning, as was evident in the Artist's Palette.  This ever-evolving area will change colors depending on sunlight, water level and wind direction.  It's comprised of water that has overflown from the Champagne Pool, which brings with it minerals from far below the surface.  As the waters cool and evaporate, colorful minerals are revealed.

Even more unbelievable was the bright green Roto Karikitea.

Like the Artist's Palette, this crater is filled with excess water from the Champagne Pool.  The vibrant color is a result of a deposit of minerals being suspended in the water and refracting sunlight. 

It is totally worth it to do all three walks, because at the third walk, you will be treated to one of the most spectacular views ever.

The stunning greens of Lake Ngakoro against the blue sky created a picture-perfect photo op.

Lake Ngakoro

Lake Ngakoro Waterfall

Other notable features that were truly impressive were:

Alum Clifs

Papa Wera (eruption crater)

Te Puna Tio (Oyster Pool)

Rua Whanariki

Rua Owhanga

Te Rua Whaitiri

The different types of terrain, formations, and colors created by natural occurrences from below and above ground were simply incredible to see.

If you are hungry, like we were before and after the walk through Wai-O-Tapu, there is a convenient Cafe on site, where we ate grab-and-go sandwiches, as well as a Toastie.

After the trek, we indulged in Tip Top ice cream!

Wai-O-Tapu is definitely one of the most surreal places on Earth.

Wai-O-Tapu
201 Waiotapu Loop Rd

Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
+64 7-366 6333

Mahalo to the sponsor for the discounted tickets.

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