WAITOMO CAVES

Quite surprised to wake up on a foggy morning after day 10 ended in beautiful, blue skies. We head straight to Waitomo today to checkout the glowworm caves.

Not wanting to wake up the girls, Alain and I strolled to the Whanganui River which ran just behind the Taumarunui Holiday Park. I was hoping for a photo but couldn’t find an interesting composition. Alain took a couple then we headed back to the campervan. We had breakfast then headed off.

We bought the tickets at the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. and also had lunch there. We took the option to visit all three caves, which would take us most of the afternoon.

Aranui Cave was the first we visited. Our group was small and our guide was wonderful which made the whole experience very nice. It starts with a small walk in the forest and a little story on the Silver Fern. Quite interesting. The cave is fairly narrow with a few high ceiling caverns. The stalactites are of every size you can imagine but I was less impressed than I thought I’d be. But I realised later that it was the smallest of the caves we visited. Still beautiful though.

The much anticipated Glowworm Caves was next. Unfortunately we weren’t permitted to take photos so I have a nothing to show you but will briefly describe the experience. You start with a narrow descent along a metallic walkway until you arrive in the, so called, cathedral area. A huge cavern with very few stalactites. You also realise you’re not the only group there. In this cathedral they talk about the stalactites and stalagmites, the glowworms and you get to see how they hang by a silk thread, and you get to sing in the dark. Once again you make your way along the narrow, metallic walkway to the underground river. There, you hop aboard a small boat where you make your way farther into the cave. It is pitch black. You can’t even see your hands in front of your face. Then all of a sudden the ceiling lights up in thousands, millions of tiny blue lights. Like stars on a clear night. Absolutely wonderful. I’ve never seen anything like it. So beautiful. You slowly see daylight as you come out of the cave and that’s the end of the tour. You get off the boat and make your way along a path surrounded by trees back up to the main area.

The last but definitely not the least, Ruakuri Cave is a mix of the previous two, the Aranui Cave and Glowworm Caves. Large caverns, narrow paths, stalactites and stalagmites, silk threads and glowworms, and an out-of-this-world entrance. A long spiral ramp about 40 metres high. The history of this caves is very interesting too. I think it’s the longest of all the caves. There’s a lot to see in this cave.

I recommend doing all three caves. It’s well worth while and the money. There are other options for adrenaline junkies too. It was late afternoon by the time we’d finished the visits and opted for a free campsite for the night. We found the Roselands Restaurant who let campervans stay for free in their carpark. Very smart of them because we ended up eating at the restaurant. Couldn’t resist the buffet and the BBQ cooked meat on option. Not too expensive either. The place is upon a hill with beautiful views. They can organise all your outings too.

Well that it for day 11 everyone. Tomorrow we head back to Auckland for three days. Hope to see you then. Goodnight.

p.s. a big thank you to Alain for some of his pics.