Rawhiti

The day being warm and sunny we decided a hike was in order. We headed to Rawhiti. After all the recent bad weather we expected the riverbed to be gushing but it was dry, massive boulders jostling against each other. We walked into the bush, the huge mountain above us, and clambered up a very slippery and treacherous route higher and higher., clinging onto vines and rocks, our shoes getting claggy with mud When you have climbed as high as you can and are completely out of breath, the air  suddenly changes and cold gusts seem to appear from nowhere. A few metres on and the land dips sharply and a cavernous space opens up, massive stalactites as far as the eye can see- Rawhiti cave, famous for its phytokasts! A truly remarkable place, awe inspiring. There was also a strong goaty smell, two of whom were encountered on the way down! Actually the going down was even more treacherous than the going up, thank goodness for more vines and rocks! 
We had a wonderful afternoon too but I'm going to save that for tomorrow
A few of you mentioned how like Ireland it is - very true though like Ireland on steroids, everything is so much bigger. The population is very similar too and an interesting mixture of farmers (short shorts, red band gummies and mullets) and alternative folk ( baggy trousers, barefeet and dreadlocks) , almost like home!  All very friendly and chatty too , everyone waves.