Waitomo, North Island – Take the Plunge
I have yet to mention that the absolute best way to see New Zealand is by car. The landscape is constantly changing and just simply gorgeous (like jaw-droppingly gorgeous), and it gives you the freedom to move around at your own pace. When we return, my plan is to drive from Cape Reinga on the North Island all the way to Bluff on the South Island with frequent stops along the way of course!
So from Paihia to Waitomo (with a pit stop in Hamilton) we go to explore the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and do a little Black Water Rafting. What is Black Water Rafting you may ask? Well if you are a thrill-seeker and like to do ALL the activities like we do, don’t ask questions, just do it. It is an exhilarating experience and some of the most fun we have ever had (Top 5 experience ever!) and definitely the most fun you can have in the dark in an underground cave. We booked the Black Labyrinth tour (highly recommend) through the Legendary Black Water Rafting Company and took advantage of their Wet Hair deal which gives you 50% off a Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are world-renowned for the Arachnocampa luminosa, or glowworm, which is unique to New Zealand. Thousands upon thousands of these tiny luminescent worms make their homes throughout the cave system, creating a magical experience. Take the tour and boat ride down the Waitomo River where you can marvel at the elaborate maze of stalagmites and stalactites and gaze overhead at what look like thousands of twinkling stars.
After our tour and quick snack at the café, we headed to the Legendary Black Water Rafting Company for what was sure to be a once in a lifetime experience through the depths of the Ruakuri Cave. First things first, we were provided full body wetsuits (because that water is cold…like really REALLY cold), rubber goulashes, a helmet and headlamp. And boy, did we make that look good.
Tube in hand, we headed for the river to ‘practice’ which in reality was just a chance for everyone to get a good laugh at your expression when you hit the 50º F (10º C) water.
Then we began our descent. Down, down, down into the darkness with our tour guides leading the way and only our headlamps for light. We wound back and forth through the depths of the cave, splashing through the frigid river until we came to the waterfall. One by one, we turned around and shot ourselves off the top, landing safely in our tubes (David needed a bit of coaxing). It was exhilarating and slightly terrifying all at the same time! We floated our way through the cave’s deepest tunnels with some being so low you were forced to duck under the water. We emerged in a large cavern and snuffed out our headlamps to behold the magic above us. The tiny pinpricks of light were infinite as the glowworms stretched as far as we could see. Amazing!
A few hundred meters more and we were greeted with beams of sunshine as we reached the entrance (or exit depending on how you look at it) to the cavern. Yay! I can feel my toes again!
Back at the Legendary Blackwater Rafting Company, we were treated to hot showers and hot soup to warm us up as we recounted our adventure with our fellow explorers. The water may have been freezing (I’m pretty sure that I’ve never been that cold before!), but it was worth every second! Like I said, Top 5 Experience Ever and one that you will definitely not regret!
