Last time I was in Waitomo was about a year ago on my Kiwi Experience. I had tickets to do the Black Water Rafting, but the caves flooded due to rain. This long Queens Birthday weekend my partner and I decided to try it again… it had been raining all week and even rained on the 3 hour drive down. We were nervous it was going to be cancelled again, but our luck changed and we suited up for a 9 am Abyss tour.
Suited up in a wet suit, boots, helmet and a harness, we were loaded onto a bus and taken to Ruakuri cave. One of the three main caves in Waitomo, this cave is for adventure seekers who want to raft, zip line, climb real rock walls, see glowworms and abseil.
For those who want to stay dry Aranui Cave is known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations while Waitomo Cave is known for its glowworms. Both of these cave offer walking tours, and Waitomo has a boat option, which is nice considering the water is a constant 11-15 degrees Celsius on the Black Water Rafting tours!
Before abseiling down 35 meters, we had a quick lesson on how to lower ourselves down. It was super fun but kind of crazy to think this was my first time doing it and I only practiced 3 times before lowering myself into a deep dark cave.
Did you know: Wai means water and tomo means sinkhole in Maori? Together it makes Waitomo: Water passing through a hole
Not to give too much away, but my tour was led by 2 awesome guides. Once we abseiled down into the cave we then got to zip line (or as they call it fly foxing) in the dark with the glowworms overhead. From there we got some hot coco to warm up and then took the plunge… jumping into the water in a tube. We pulled ourselves upstream by a rope along the wall and saw more glow worms, which are really just insect larva. They glow to show their hunger… and their waste. Yes, the light from these larva is actually their waste being burned off!
We got out of the water and did some walking through the caves. We then got back in to take some photos and floated back downstream. That was one awesome part; looking up at the glowworms was like looking up on a clear nights sky. Our tour guide would hit the tubes as they light up with loud noises. They seemed like constellations!
Hot coco time
From there we took one more break to have some chocolate and tea. Then we had to climb out! We had to go up 2 massive waterfalls, which was actually quite scary. The guides pushed us up and out and then we took the bus back to the base camp up the road.
Back at base you got a hot shower, soup and a bagel. You will need to bring your own towel, soap, shampoo and conditioner.
Walking around the cave
This experience is in my list for Top 2 experiences in New Zealand. Franz Josef Heli-Hike is number one! If you ever have the chance to come to the North Island, this has to be on your list! From activity to something unique, Waitomo has it all!
Yes, its dark in there! Lights are from our helmets
Tip: There are lots of caves in the area that you can walk to at night and see lots of glowworms. Beware, bring your own flashlight, or torch as they say in NZ
Have you done anything list this before? Would you try an adventure tour like this on vacation?