Dear Reader,

I apologize I have been disconnected without a reliable internet source (data roaming off) and not all that unhappy about it (we are now in Australia).  Our last big adventure in New Zealand, the whole point of going to Waitomo, was to go to three of the 382 caves found in Waitomo.

The cave system is extensive and awe-inspiring in Waitomo.  If you have kids older than 12 then you can go tubing through these caves and experience the cave from a completely different perspective.  Blackwater rafting is supposed to be the best tour operator, but to be honest we didn’t have the chance as the fella’s were too young.

Walking into the Aranui cave

The glowworm cave was spectacular- absolutely beautiful (and it reminded me of one of my very favorite movie scenes in Immortal Beloved  as Beethoven is conducting “Ode to Joy” and remembering floating in a lake reflecting the night sky).  I expected the glowworms to be kitchy much like Prawn Fishing, but it was truly a moment of such beauty-  always amazing to acknowledge, how deep in the earth nature can reflect the expansive grace of the night sky.  Okay enough waxing, I digress.

The other two caves were filled with gobs of stalactites and mites.  I unfortunately was unable to catch a shot of the glowworm caves as there are no cameras allowed (the glowworms are sensitive to light), but, trust me, Waitomo is worth the drive and a day for exploration.  Also, if you are searching for a restaurant look no further than Curly’s Bar (owned by an affable bald-headed Kiwi) they brew their own beer and the make a mean salad!

stalactites

A little glowworm amongst his fellow glowworms with their feeding lines

Cave Fossils

Aranui Cave

Kiwi silver fern (front side)

Silver fern backside