Waitomo is awesome! There are many outfits offering a variety of caving experiences so I'll have to return to explore more, but for now I've investigated the offerings of The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, and they don't disappoint! Very professional with kindly, knowledgable guides. I've signed up for a slot on their Black Labyrinth trip, a chance to meet another dozen or so brave tourists. They shuffle us into wetsuits, white caving boots, and a helmet affixed with a lamp. With inner tube in hand we trundle into the murky depths; sloshing through cold, ankle-deep water carving a course through vaunted chambers.
The cave floor is uneven, not manicured for tourist travel. Whenever possible I use the inner tube to float so as to avoid twisted ankles (my old, flat feet are undeniably prone to jeopardy). The glow worms resemble starlight in the cavern's gloom. Enchanting! My favorite moments occur when our group forms the Human Eel (sit in your tube, lay your feet on the tube ahead of you even as you grasp the feet laid upon your own tube), floating lazy river style through the darkness as we gaze at the sparkle maggots above.
The next day (3/16) I return for their Black Abyss Tour. This one is two hours longer and requires wearing a harness, as it commences with several meters of repelling (these goofy kiwis call it "abseiling"...what?!) into the first cavern, followed by a zip-line! This time, as the Human Eel we sing "Far Over the Misty Mountains" featured in the first Hobbit film in an effort to stimulate luminous larvae. Though we're told they respond to sound by increasing luminosity, I can't say our carol piqued their interest. Clamber 'round a short waterfall to exit and we emerge into daylight, greeted by mossy jungle.
Lovely spot, that Waitomo. I should like to return one day.
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