New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 10: Stopping at Taumarunui enroute to Huhu Chalet and Waitomo Ruakuri Caves!

Day 10 of our travels in New Zealand was yet another highlight of our trip. This was because we were heading to the Waitomo Caves region to not only check out the “infamous glow worms” but also Huhu Chalet!

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 10 – From Tongariro National Park to Taumarunui

This morning, we checked out of Skotel Alpine Resort at about 930am and headed to our first stop for the day – Mounds Walk…

Mounds Walk near Skotel Alpine Resort NZ

Short climb up a flight of stairs at Mounds Walk near Skotel Alpine Resort

View of Mount Ruapehu from Mounds Walk near Skotel Alpine Resort

The Mounds Walk trail is a relatively short trek of about 5 minutes. It takes you up to a platform that overlooks, you’ve guessed it, small hills that looks like mounds. Hence, the name. Our next stop from here was going to be a quaint little town known as Taumarunui. We had planned for a lunch break at the local bakery of the same name and also to check out the train tracks right next to the town!

Just before we arrived at Taumarunui, we chanced upon a beautiful lookout point known as Piriaka Lookout. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views of the hills with a stream winding through. Reminded us of Tunnel View of Yosemite.

Piriaka Lookout enroute to Taumarunui New Zealand

2bearbear @ Piriaka Lookout enroute to Taumarunui New Zealand

Our first stop at Taumarunui was the local town bakery of the same name – Taumarunui Bakery!

Cold sandwiches on display at Taumarunui Bakery

Taumarunui Bakery Pies - Both Steak and Chicken Pies were GOOD! — Taumarunui Bakery Pies – Both Steak and Chicken Pies were GOOD!

This time, we ordered several items from Taumarunui Bakery, including
– Apple Cream Donut ($2.8)
– Custard Slice ($3.3)
– Chicken Sandwich ($3.8)
– Steak and Cheese Pie ($5.5)
– Chicken Pie ($5.5)

Originally, the intention was just to get a sandwich and some desserts. However, we saw several locals heading to the pies section and we knew that it was probably good. Turns out that the pies were excellent and the sandwich was meh. Hence, for savouries at Taumarunui Bakery, choose the pies and you won’t go wrong.

Map of the attractions at Taumarunui from the Visitor Centre

After having some of the sweet desserts, we crossed the street over to the tracks at Taumarunui Railway Station where we found out some information from the Taumarunui Visitor Centre (used the toilet) before taking more photos along this historic railway route…

Murals next to Taumarunui Railway Station

View of the railway tracks at Taumarunui Railway Station

From the Taumarunui Information (Visitor) Centre, we found that we were actually pretty near to the confluence of 2 rivers (Whanganui and Ongarue Rivers) – that is, where 2 rivers met…

Confluence of 2 rivers (Whanganui and Ongarue Rivers) seen from Taumarunui

We actually drove quite near to the confluence but the final part were actual pebbles with large pot holes. Fearing that our rental car would not be able to cross the path, we parked and strolled the final bit. It was a little rainy but there were a couple of cars parked at the confluence to see the Whanganui River and Ongarue Rivers joining at Taumarunui.

A final note about Taumarunui, the town centre reminded us of Banff where you’ll be treated to a beautiful view if you’re right in the middle of the town…

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 10 – Arriving at Huhu Chalet Waitomo Caves

After the quick break at Taumarunui, we arrived at Huhu Chalet at about 1:30pm this afternoon.

Huhu Chalet next to Huhu Cafe near Waitomo Caves

Huhu Cafe next to Huhu Chalet Waitomo NZ

Fortunately or unfortunately, Huhu Cafe (Brewery and Restaurant next to Huhu Chalet), was closed during our visit. Huhu Cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Unfortunately for us because we were not able to try out the craft beers from Huhu Cafe and be able to stroll back to our accommodation next door. Fortunately though, was that because Huhu Cafe was closed, we had a peaceful evening of rest at Huhu Chalet. So, pros and cons.

Unlocking the padlet at the front of Huhu Chalet, we took out our key and checked out our accommodation this day – one of the highlights of the trip…

Huhu Chalet first floor - Well equipped kitchen with microwave and fridge — Huhu Chalet first floor – Well equipped kitchen with microwave and fridge

Huhu Chalet first floor - Bathroom with street views — Huhu Chalet first floor – Bathroom with street views

Huhu Chalet first floor - Comfortable Sofa with street views behind — Huhu Chalet first floor – Comfortable Sofa with street views behind

We loved the design of Huhu Chalet where you’ll be able to chill, cook and watch TV on the first floor. The toilet has an “open concept” as well, giving you views of the streets below. This was also why we drew the mini curtains in the toilet when we first arrived. In the kitchenette area, you’ll be able to find coffee, tea, sugar, milk, kettle, oven and fridge. Cutleries are available as well though there’s no stove for cooking available. Upstairs, there’s a portable air-conditioning/heater and a high roof that peeps through to the skies. In the evenings, it was peaceful and comforting to enjoy the night skies overhead while we hid under the sheets within Huhu Chalet.

After checking out our accommodation at Huhu Chalet, we headed to General Store Waitomo to see if we can get our meals here. Turns out, the snacks and meals are rather expensive – which is understandable, as it has sort of a monopoly (along with Huhu Chalet) on the food options in the area. This time, we had 2 scoops of ice cream for $4.5 – Passion Fruit and Mocha Chino as well as a packet of chips for $5…

General Store Waitomo Sandwiches and Desserts

Ice cream cone from General Store Waitomo

Thereafter, we headed to the Waitomo Caves Visitor Centre where there is a small little museum. Entry to the museum costs $5 but is well worth it as you’ll be able to learn about the Waitomo Caves, “infamous glow worms” as well as a video on the discovery of the Waitomo Caves. A very informative museum where we learnt that the “glow worms” are actually maggots that glow! The glow from the maggots are to attract small insects to their shimmering “fishing lines” and when they grow up, they will eventually cocoon and become ngats! Yikes! Not so cute afterall eh? The video about the discovery of the caves in the Waitomo region was interesting as well. Due to the limestone material and tectonic movements, the upper layers of the caves lift and curves, creating the caves below. The entire visit to the museum took us about 45 minutes to cover.

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 10 – Ruakuri Bushwalk

Although it was still slightly drizzling, we decided to head out to Ruakuri Bushwalk to check out the limestone formation and caves. Another cool thing about Ruakuri Bushwalk is that in the evenings, there are sightings of glow worms by the river – a free alternative to see the glow worms if you don’t want to pay for the $89 guided tour through Waitomo Glowworm Caves…

Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves Information

Gravel track at Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves NZ

Layered rocks at Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves

Waitomo Caves in Ruakuri Bush Walk New Zealand

Well-constructed bridges at Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves Review

River along formations at Ruakuri Bush Walk

Sign pointing to natural tunnel viewing platform at Ruakuri Bush Walk Review

Natural Tunnel Viewing Platform Ruakuri Bush Walk Review

River entering into a cave at Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Bush Walk

Although the Ruakuri Bushwalk is a free trek for visitors, we’d strongly recommend all visitors to the Waitomo Caves region to visit Ruakuri Caves. Walking through Ruakuri Caves reminded us of the pristine, unfettered natural rock formations and forest growths. Of course, you’ll also be able to walk through caves and see where the river cuts and goes through the caves here as well. An excellent trek for visitors – just be careful when it rains because the algae on some parts of the pathway can be rather slippery.

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Back in our room, we microwaved our dinner – pies from Taumarunui Bakery and watched some TV to wind down the evening…

Taumarunui Bakery Steak & Cheese Pie and Chicken Pie enjoyed at Huhu Chalet

It was really quiet in the evenings as Huhu Chalet was not opened that evening. It gave us a pretty good night’s rest this evening. Love the space, the woody fragrance and the overall relaxing vibes here. An excellent choice of accommodation if you’re visiting the Waitomo Caves region. Stay tuned as we check out the Waitomo Glowworm caves on Day 11 of our travels in New Zealand!

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New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 10: Stopping at Taumarunui enroute to Huhu Chalet and Waitomo Ruakuri Caves!