Today we make our last pit stop to the Bay of Islands. Unlike our previous stops, this little town met us with open arms and periodic rain sprinkles and occassional drizzling. It's a unique port comprised of various small islands. Because of this, Rhapsody of the Sea had to anchor out and cruise passengers were ferryed from the ship and to the dock via two of the ship's boat launches. Even though it sprinkled and/or drizzled, the 20 minute boat trip wasn't too bad.
Our only scheduled shore excursion today was in the afternoon, so we spent the morning exploring the town shops and local establishments. There really wasn't much to see, so we took the time to simply relax and enjoy ourselves as a family.
Later in the afternoon, we boarded our tour bus. Our 4-hour excursion took us first to the Kauri Rain Forest followed by the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. The rain forest was quite amazing. Similar to the California Sequoia Trees, the Giant New Zealand Kauri Trees are huge in height and circumference - they are truly the giants of New Zealand's sub-tropical rainforest. After spending approximately an hour walking through the forest, we proceeded to the glow worms. It's unfortunate, however, that we weren't able to take pictures while inside the dark limestone caves, but it's understandable as well. A wooden trail is provided, but one needs to be careful looking out for stalactite and stalagmite rock formations that may bump you into your head. No fear, though, because Juan was designated as one of the lantern guides through this guided tour. Interestingly enough, the glow from inside of these caves really isn't a worm, but rather the larva of a gnat. The purpose of its glow is offensive and defensive in nature; it's used to attract other smaller insects/flies, catch them, and then feed off of them. At the sametime, its glow deters other larger insects from eating them. All things considered it's quite the balance of life for these "glow worms."
Welcome to the Bay of Islands
Do I really need to wake up, can't I just sleep for a little bit longer?
Taking the liberty launch boat to the dock
Greetings with a little Maori cultural dance and music
Who would have thought that Rachel's favorite Seattle Chinese Restaurant would also be found in the Bay of Islands - at least the name lives on! 
Kauri Rain Forest is recognized for their huge trees like no where else!
You see one tree, you see them all... wake me up when we see some worms!!!
Juan as the lantern guide along the tour inside the Glow Worm Caves.
The entrance; the last picture until we come back out!
A family shot at the exit
Boat launch trip back to Rhapsody of the Seas
Up, up, and away!
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