Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th Matamata, Hamilton, Waitamo & Raglan (!)

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We checked out of the Blue Lake Resort at 9.30 and headed off to Matamata for Hobbiton. A lovely sunny day and once again the countryside changed appearance to that of green, agricultural and "horsey". Properties were far and few in between but more ranch like - a very pleasant drive. We arrived at Matamata and enquired at the Tourist Information Office about tours to Hobbiton. Sadly, they were fully booked, (and quite expensive), and only entry was by the tour operators. So after refreshments we carried on to Hamilton where we spent a lovely afternoon relaxing in the Botanical Gardens.
Tourist Info Centre
 The gardens cover a vast expanse,  54 hectares, and is situated on the banks of the Waikato River. It attracts 1 million visitors a year and it is easy to see why. Themed gardens and a lake - and river cruises can be taken. Gardens included a Japanese Garden, Maori Garden, Alice in Wonderland, English, Rose & Rhododendron to name a few. Produce from the Kitchen garden supplies charities.
 

We left wishing that we could see more, but at 4.30, time did not allow sadly. We headed on to our favourite, Raglan, and once again checked in to our favourite site. We had fish and chips from the site cafe, did the washing and showered, before settling in for the night.
Heavy rain fell overnight and sirens wailed to summon firemen who were required to pump out water.
Te Parapara Garden - Maori Horticulture, Waikato




The following morning after breakfast and the new to us experience of the Dump Station, we headed off to the Waitamo Gloworm Caves. On reflection, Raglan was rather a long way to have stayed the previous night, but, we simply loved the place and felt at home here. It was a long journey through agricultural and dairy land, another different landscape. On arrival at the caves we had lunch and joined in with the 1.35 tour.
 
We were pulled along in silence and the only light was by the Glowworms, a particular species that is found exclusively in New Zealand. Magical. After the tour and a general look around the immediate area it was time to head back, passing through Otoranga, a pretty place with spectacular hanging baskets and plant troughs.
We had a coffee and did a little light shopping on our return. We learned that it was the last day for plastic bags to be used, from the following day all bags would be bio-degradable, a plastic free zone. We have so much to learn from this gem of a town.

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