Rest in Raglan & Wonders in Waitomo

In Raglan, I had planned to go surfing. And even though the Thai massage improved my physical condition by 86.7%, I still feel somehow too quiet for so much action and cold water. The place, however, is wonderful to me. I get to enjoy the sunset and sunrise, Indian food, time on a black sand beach, a moment of closeness with one of the quiet travelers while watching surfers, Real Fruit Icecream with a view of the water, my own room to sleep in, the best Flat White I've had so far, a charming little bookstore, a card with a sheep, and a bit of peace for myself. I like it here. If I ever come back, I would definitely want to spend a few days here.
On the afternoon of the second day, we head back to Auckland. On the way, we stop at the last waterfall and then at the last tourist highlight of the tour (to be fair: it's not on the itinerary, but we wished for it) - the glowworm caves in Waitomo. I don’t really know what to expect, and maybe that’s the secret of the amazement: I am absolutely and completely captivated by this place. We first walk through the cave system made of white limestone, so beautiful, hear a sung Maori song in this dreamy acoustics, and then suddenly lie on the ground to take in the first sight of the glowworms and their silk threads hanging from the ceilings to catch prey. This species of glowworm only exists in New Zealand. As I glide through the water-filled cave in a boat, with a thousand tiny lights shimmering in blue above me, absolute silence to avoid disturbing the insects, I feel once again like I'm in a fantasy novel, like a little fairy under a starry sky of a bit of magic and bioluminescence. If I had to recommend an attraction in New Zealand - it would be this one! No photos are allowed, but that's how it should be. A photo couldn't capture this place properly anyway.

So fulfilled with happiness, I board the bus for the last leg of the journey, and in the evening, we are back where it all began: Auckland!