Down the end of a short dirt track, I was greeted by two black and white cows to the humble abode with the orange door. There was a basket full of feijoas sitting on the kitchen bench and a bowl full of treats! I couldn't wait to tuck into these when on adventures over the coming days.

Dried flowers hung along one side of the metal rafters with a couple of climbing plants crimping into the middle from the other end. It was so cosy and peaceful. I snuggled up in the reading nook by the window and took it all in. That evening, I lit a fire under the cloudy night sky and roasted some marshmallows. I was in heaven.

The next morning, I woke with the sun and adventured through Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve just a few minutes from the cabin before making my way to the glow worm caves! I made a little stop along the way at the Heritage Park - and my gosh I’m glad I did. I watched the bumble bees buzzing from flower to flower, tree to tree. Being Autumn, it was such a beautiful time to visit with all the tones, textures and colours arriving.

Fifteen minutes from the gardens I found the entrance to the glow worms. I was so excited for this! I hoped they were home and up for glowing with me. It took some ducking and weaving through the rainforest with my waterproof boots on discover the caves but once I was there, I sat and waited for my eyes to adjust to the darkness to see the glow worms. And when they did, boy was it breathtaking! Water dripped from the cave and a tiny water fall coming from the roof of the cave. It was delightfully magical and a photographers dream location. Pockets of light danced through the cracks adding some beautiful reflections on the rocks. I stayed here for quite some time admiring the cave beauty. I used the torch on my phone to make my way back to my car as I became quite drenched glowing with the glow worms. Totally worth every drip and drop!

Just on dust, I arrived back to the cabin and jumped right into a hot shower. I stayed here until I could feel my toes again and made a warm hearty meal to go with my hearty-filled day. I made myself a milo and then made my way to bed into dreamland. The night was still and so was I slept right through and had an easy morning. Coffee on the porch watching the little birds do their little bird things. Was a sweet way to begin the day. I wondered around the food forest surrounding the cabin and I gave thanks to the humble abode for keeping me safe and warm.

What a little sweet treat.