Today we drove from Hot Water Beach to Waitomo. We stopped at a range of mountains on the way and went for a walk through the old gold mining tunnels. It was really nice scenery as there was a river that ran through. We have to cross 2 swing bridges that you could only have 10 people on at a time! And they were really bouncy! Walking through the old gold mines were class as the old cart rails were still there and the tunnels were pitch black! Then we hopped back on the bus. We got to Waitomo about midday and checked in. Our pickup for the caves was half 3. They got us to the centre and kitted us up in wetsuits, helmets and "gumboots" (Wellies). From there we went for a practice at jumping off a pontoon into a river backwards and in our tube as we had to jump off a waterfall in the cave. Then it was back into the van. We got to the cave entrance and walked in. There was water that ran through the whole cave. The first bit was rocky and uneven and shallow waters. We got to the first jump which was small but there was an eel swimming around! We jumped in and floated down the stream. We then had a bit more walking to do before our big jump off the waterfall! We all made it safely. We then all hooked onto each other and floated down the river with our lights off watching the gloworms and one of the instructors sang "can you feel the love tonight?". Setting a lovely mood. We arrived at a shallow point so once again we did a little bit of walking and then jumped back into our tubes to float the last bit.
When we were close to the end of the cave, the guide decided to play the game where we switch off all the lights and try to get out of the cave on our own. It was all good until Emma happened to get cornered into a small alcove and couldn't get out! But don't worry we didn't loose her! :) we all made it out alive and safe!
It was such an amazing experience, we learnt a lot about the gloworms and the caves in general. Floating underneath them was incredible! Such a good day today!