Day 8 - Waitomo Caves (Caving!)

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Wow, today was awesome! We met up with our guides and three other clients to go on a "7 Hour Epic" caving trip.... of which 4.5hrs we spent underground. Having changed into wetsuits and harnesses the trip started with a massive 100m abseil into a huge cavern with a river crashing through the bottom of it. The abseil was fantastic; although Shelley was somewhat nervous at the start! After reaching the floor we had to work our way out - which was through the river - and heading upstream against the raging torrent! WOW! This was a real tough workout battling against the river, underground inside huge caverns. The water depth varied from knee high to neck deep and swimming, or clinging onto the sides and pulling your way through. One bit involved turning our head torches off and sliding down a 5 meter drop into the raging river while in complete darkness! Similiarly, we had another 5 meter jump from a platform - again in complete darkness. Phil really loved this trip and wished it carried on; but Shelley was absolutely knackered but really enjoyed it even though she had a few "scary" moments! We finished the trip with a BBQ.... above ground and finally dry!

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Photos

100m Abseil
Phil and Shell at the top of the 100m abseil.

Inside the cavern
This is the cavern we abseiled into.

Phil and Shell.
This is the cavern we abseiled into.

The Explorers
Our group getting wet!

Comments

[Kat]

Are you trying to give mum a heart attack??!!!
You two are completely bonkers - why anyone would find being underground for 4.5 hours in neck deep water in totally darkness fun is beyond me - but as long as you crazy kids enjoyed it and lived to tell the tale then I suppose we'll allow it! WE WANT MORE PHOTOS!!! Love ya xxx

[hazel]

lippie and makeup alert
shelley why arent you wearing makeup on your photos? lara croft does on her expeditions. really mean to say you are either very brave or just nuts! miss ya . love hazel