Auckland, New Zealand North Island

I had a conference in Auckland, so we stayed there few days. I would have much rather spent my time at other cities!  YW only had free time in the late afternoons, after the conference ended.

One evening, we visited Mt Eden (Maingawhau): ancestral mountain, volcanic cone. Grassy crater, view of Auckland. It also has views of Mt Hobson, Mt St John, One Tree Hill, Big King : all volcanic craters. Looks like grassy hills now.   

We ate Baab Korean cuisine: bulgogi hot plate. Yum! ANd Suzaku ramen: Tokyo ramen. Ok. 1 foodcourt has all these types of authentic food: Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indian, sushi, ramen Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, pizza, Korean, Hawaiian

One evening, we visited the small town of Davenport, which has this view of Rangitoto Island. It also had Victoria Theater: NZ's oldest theater.  

The hill has a 26 ton disappearing gun. Can hit Rangitoto island where practice targets installed. Fired once, complained cracked windows of nearby houses, so never again.

During one day, AB went to Rangitoto island (a volcanic mountain). 

The highlight of our time in the North Island was our day trip to the Glowing Adventures Waitomo caves. YW found a deal online, so we got a private tour of the caves.    

Wai = water, Tomo =hole. 2000 caves here. 

Glow worms are larvae of fungus gnat, has 4 life cycles: adult lays eggs, hatch 3wk later. larvae glowworms grow for 6-9mo, hang loosely from damp sheltered surface in horizontal tube made from flexible silk and mucus, when mature become pupa for 2 wks, emerge as adult fly. Adult: No mouth, only mate so die after laying eggs for 3 days.  Glow from a kidney-like organ. Chemical reaction takes a lot of oxygen so airbag surrounding organ and reflector to concentrate eggs. To attract other insects (food). 

AB was surprised at how the narrow the passages were.  Our boots were soaked, but the site provided clothes which kept us warm and comfortable.  It was one of the most memorable and unique experiences we have had!

NZ only had 1 mammal. Now possum and rats destroying native animals.

Mangapohue River: 500meter, fall down 3km. Then goes to Auckland

Oyster fossils: 30 mill years ago.

Cave: 1/2 km, 3.5 km total. 

Hangi shop: chicken and lamb, pumpkin, karuka? -traditionally cooked hot buried underground for hours.

Papatoetoe night market: Conny's kitchen pork belly delicious! 

Must try NZ chocolate: Whittaker's. Flavors to try: Boysenberry and hokey pokey