Yay, we’re somewhere with good cell/wifi service again,so strap in for a long post.

Yesterday we spent the day exploring Tongariro National Park which included some more famous places from Lord of the Rings.

Gollum’s Pool with stupid tourists in the way

Gollum’s Pool without us

Ugly waterfall

More ugly waterfalls

terrible

We’re heading to Mordor!

Mt. Doom (Mt. Ngauruhoe)

glacier capped volcano Mt. Ruapehu

Shawn navigating while I drive

Some big ass railroad bridge Shawn wanted to look at

Wacky snack was no Bueno tonight.

Ronald’s mac-n-cheese bites taste like fried gruel with a hint of stale cheese, and don’t look anything like the picture

Today we headed to the Waitomo district known for its great cave systems that are full of glow worms lighting the way. Many have cool underground boats to see them, but they’re booked out far in advance. We opted for some hiking and cave exploring on our own.

Nice hike until you realize there’s nothing below the platform 😵

Shawn on another cliffside floating walkway

Shawn contemplating joining the Goonies

best view on the whole hike

Indiana Jones can’t compete

more hiking

Tunnel!

Our last stop was a bird sanctuary, especially dedicated to the preservation of the very endangered Kiwi bird. Kiwis are nocturnal, so the habitats simulate night, and no pictures can be taken. There’s other native birds there as well that are being rehabilitated or can no longer live in the wild. We only saw the Kiwis on the cameras as they slept in their burrow, but did get to see one briefly poke its head out. Forget what you think, kiwis are the size of a very large duck, and will fuck you up with their big claws (their keeper showed us some scars) More kiwi facts here.

The kiwi bird sanctuary was a bit of a disappointment 😉

Kiwi facts

big ass apple

This evening we moved to the town of Rotorua which is known for all its hot springs and thermal features. Dinner for the evening was welcomed after all the hiking today.

hot wonton soup on a cold evening

For tonight’s wacky snack, we continue the saga of Uncle Kenny and the women that keep hooking up with this mad-man.

I would love to see Uncle Kenny’s Tinder profile.

The entire town of Rotorua smells like sulfur, but I am used to it after living with Shawn for so many years. 😂 The next couple of days we’ll explore the geysers, hot springs, Maori cultural sites, and hopefully a spa as well.

Cheers and stay tuned! ♥️