New Zealand - KeriKeri

Our last stretch of road northward was about 2 hours. On our way we stopped at the family owned Kawiti Caves. We took a guided tour through the lush rainforest into the caves where we journey underground dodging stalagmites and stalactites to see the incredible glow worms.

I don't know how to describe the intense darkness that filled those caves, all I could think of is this scripture "And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could fell the vapor of darkness" 3 Nephi 8:20

I cannot imagine how awful and scary that 'vapor of darkness' would have been for those people lasting 3 days after Christ died. 

The brief darkness we experienced in the caves was intense yet luckily we had torches to lead our way and the beautiful glow worms above our heads.

The glow worms brought a sense of peace to the darkness, they were beautiful. It was like looking up at the stars at night and gazing into the milky way. 

The beginning of our tour

The entrance into the caves (no cameras allowed past this point)

On our exit up and out of the caves and through the forest back to our cars.

As we made our way to KeriKeri where we would check into our accommodations we briefly stopped to see the world famous Hundertwasser Toilets. These toilets are the only project in the southern hemisphere by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and was his last project before he died. Many tourists come by bus just to photograph the toilets.

Stop number three was at Parrot Place. The kids are still talking about this part of the trip and keep asking when they can get birds of their own.
We encountered many different birds and had the opportunity to hold and feed them.

Loved finding exotic flowers everywhere

Our big ending highlight to the day was our Parasailing adventure that took place in Paihia around the Bay of Islands. 

 Here we are on the boat, adrenaline pumping getting ready to fly.

 Joseph was so upset that he couldn't 'fly on the kite' because he was not five yet. He still talks about getting to fly on a kite when he turns five. He will probably hold us to it if he remembers then.

Up, up and away! Aaron, Rachael and I were first to go!

The views were spectacular as well as the colors. I still cannot believe how high we were. Just look how small the boat was in comparison to my feet.

Views from the sky

Coming back down for a safe and dry return onto the boat.

Next up, Pops, Josh and Mama

Did I mention this is New Zealands highest parasail at 1200 feet?

It was seriously incredible.

What an exciting day we sure had. After returning to our resort we took a walk down to a fish and chip shop where we had our first crab sticks. They were delicious.
Everyone was exhausted and ready for bed.

We got a kick out of the sign below. In the USA they call them carts, in Australia and England they are called trollies and in New Zealand they are called trundlers.