Today we hiked in the rain. Like, hardcore hiked in a sheet of rain. Swanson offered to let us go back to the bus if we didn't want to get wet. No one left. The group was originally going to walk around only the water race trail, but we decided we wanted to push on to the long mining cave. We were all soaked from head to toe, but still wore a smile when we got to the top, where the cave was. Inside the cave were glow worms. Looking at them was almost unreal. This whole place is unreal. Paradise. The view from every direction is gorgeous. Tomorrow we're going to Cook's beach, which was scheduled for today, but the rain wouldn't let up. We all voted to go in the morning before we head to Hamilton. It'll be a nice fairwell to Hahei.
-Kayla Treece
It has been amazing starting each day doing yoga or karate on the beach. The sunrise is breathtaking!! Even with a rainy day like today, we got to see the most gorgeous places. It was cold and wet but the hike was so fun! We climbed up through a rainforest and then played in a mine shaft with really cool glow worms! I have had a lot of camera problems but it is hard to be bummed out when you know the pictures can't do justice at all! I love New Zealand and do not want to go home!
-Miranda Lisko
