A Caving We Will Go

Trip Start Feb 08, 2008
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Trip End Mar 10, 2008


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Flag of New Zealand  ,
Saturday, February 16, 2008

A small group is waiting outside the Sky Tower at 7:15 a.m., ready when our bus arrives. Today we are going to the Waitomo glowworm caves and then on to Rotorua where we will stay for 2 nights. Waitomo is the dairy capital of NZ and we pass many farms along the way. I have never been in a cavern and am eager to see the stalactites and stalagmites and the rock formations that have taken thousands of years to create. Waitomo does not disappoint - it is amazing, miles and miles of caves. You have to stoop down to enter and it is dark and dimly light and you do have to watch where you are placing your feet. The walkways are long and we do a lot of up and down steps. We are down 35 meters underground.
Eventually we reach a large cavern that they call the Cathedral it is huge and you feel as though you could be in an ancient cathedral. It is so large that people actually get married down here, and they have Christmas concerts here as the sound is so perfect in the cave.
After viewing the stalagmites and stalactites we get into a boat and head into the glow worm grotto. It is dark, quiet and magical. The sound of the boat is the only sound you hear as overhead thousands of glowworms cast a sparkly light. All too soon it is over and we come out of the dark. We are back on the bus, next stop Rotorua.
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Comments

domcrest
domcrest on Feb 27, 2008 at 01:00PM

Jillian and AL:
I wanted to get to Waitomo, closest I got was still 2 hrs away, however, I did see glow worms in Wellington at Kaori Sanctuary, I thought they were amazing. You must be almost ready to wrap up in New Zealand and head for the Cook Islands. Have a wonderful time, recharge your batteries relaxing in the Cooks.

Take care, looking forward to your return.

Love, Dorey

roloandsimba
roloandsimba on Feb 27, 2008 at 10:06PM

Good to hear from you!
I was getting a tad worried my friend that I hadn't heard anything for over a week! Sounds like your trip is fabulous and looking forward to your next instalment!

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