Back on the road for a 100kms journey to the Waitomo Caves. Average coffee at the Waitomo General Stores before checking in for our organised trip to the glow worm caves. First stop was a limestone cave with good stalactites and stalagmites plus the cave had been flooded in the last 500 years which resulted in a covering of mud. The new calcium deposits could clearly be seen obliterating the mud. 
Next stop was the glow worm cave which was amazing . Once our eyes had adjusted to the dark the glow worms were so luminescent we could see quite clearly despite being in an unlit cave. The Kiwi pathway was very ingenious being made out of non slip recycled plastic milk bottles. Downside of such good recycling is the bottles are shipped to Australia for processing then shipped back. An excellent four hour trip although Graham was very hungry by the time he ate his sandwich at 3pm but all good for the ‘new me look’.
Back on the road to Stratford (no where near as attractive as Shakespeare's) but the first sight of the volcano Mount Taranaki was amazing peaking out of the cloud. Looking forward to walking the lower slopes tomorrow. Foregoing the walk which requires DOC permission, a guide and possible crampons! Susie asked about the wine – well 2 bottles later at dinner the Sauvignon still tasted lovely. Not sure about the head on tomorrow's walk though.