SYDNEY/KIWI ADVENTURE-2: Waitomo Caves Adventure

Well I just finished doing what was known as the "Black Abyss" tour with the Black Water Rafting tour company. Black water rafting is basically underground rafting, although one could argue that technically a rubber inflatable tube isn't really a raft, but lets not get too pedantic since I had such a wonderful time.

For those of you who haven't heard about the Waitomo Caves, they are located about 2 hours away from Auckland and are a popular destination for both thrill seekers and tourists who want a more laid back sightseeing experience. One of the most interesting sights to be seen in the Waitomo Caves is the subterranean dwelling creature known as the "glow worm". To get overly technical again, it's not actually a worm but really the larval stage of an winged insect. What makes these creatures particularly fascinating is the fact that they gather in the tens of thousands on the roofs of caves, creating a spectacular lighting display that's almost like looking at hundreds of light blue Christmas lights.

For those who want a more subdued experience, it is possible to enter the caves slowly and quietly on a rowing boat and admire the sights. People wanting to see the beautiful rock formations and stalactites/stalagmites can also enter another cave system which is well lit with ambient lighting.

But for those who are looking for adventure, go on the Back Abyss tour! It's a 5 hour epic journey through the pitch black and endless underground cave system that incorporates abseiling, a flying-fox/zip-line, rock climbing, swimming and rafting (well, rafting on a rubber tube!) After getting geared up in our wetsuits we went through some brief abseiling training before descending into the world below. Abseiling is fun great fun because you are the one in control. You're not being winched down by somebody else, you're gradually lowering yourself in a controlled descent. Most people start slow at first then as they gain confidence it's possible to speed up the descent. Our guides were dropping down at record speeds of course!

After the abseiling was a quick trip on a flying-fox (or zip-line if you're from North America) in total darkness. After that we were handed our rubber tubes and had to take a leap of faith into cold water. After plummeting into the unforgiving cold water we began to paddle along an underground river. The water seemed bloody freezing at first but after a while we began to warm up. We rafted for quite a distance with the only light source down there being our head mounted lamps. After traveling for some time we all turned off our lights and continued floating along with the "glow worms" up above being our only light source. Our guides suggested we try singing since the acoustics were really great so our Scottish companions started with "500 miles" by the Proclaimers!

We later emerged from the water to discard our rubber tubes and continued through the underground river, alternating between wading through shallow sections and swimming through the deeper ones. When we were approaching the end of our tour we were given the option of turning left and taking the easy way out or turning right and going the hard way. Of course we all unanimously agreed that the hard path would be more fun. At this point we were expected to climb up some pretty treacherous and steep paths which all had water running down them! Basically we were working against the current, climbing upstream so we had to climb against the force of several small waterfalls. All I can say is don't try this unless you're extremely agile! What made it more difficult is the fact that wearing a tight rubber wetsuit can really restrict your movement! Still we made it in the end and were treated to the welcoming glare of daylight, ascending back into the sunlight and warmth. We were treated to hot soup and bagels back at the tour headquarters before we parted ways and headed home. In my case, home was a lovely little place called the Kiwi Paka Lodge, a really beautiful and well equipped hostel. Before turning in for the night I went to the local bar and had a few pints with some other backpackers who were also staying in the area.

So there you have it! A very spectacular adventure tour in New Zealand and sure to be the first of many. Keep an eye out for all sorts of other crazy things that I'll be doing and subsequently posting in this journal. Next stop: Queenstown, adventure capital of New Zealand and possibly even the world!

Triumphant return to daylight!