Spelunking in Glow Worm Caves and Tongariro Crossing (11 miles)!!

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Wow, we have really packed in a lot! It's been non-stop! We've been weaving down the North Island and a few days ago took a ferry to the South Island where the scenery just gets more and more stunning.

In Waitomo, we suited up for some serious spelunking in the Waitomo Caves, we repelled down a narrow opening in the earth and wound up 50 meters underground. Above our heads were glowing worms on the ceiling of the caves - they looked like stars in the sky! After a zip line, a leap off a ledge on our inner tubes into the river system below, we began our float through the caves. We carried on exploring the caves stopping for lunch in the pitch black (only our head lamps leading the way). It was quite an adventure! and the only way out was CLIMBING UP 3 waterfalls! Quite a challenge! As we emerged, from the cave expecting to see daylight it was already nighttime.

Beginning to feel pretty invincible, we next decided to conquer the infamous Tongariro Crossing - a very challenging 11 mile hike across volcanoes (one being Mt. Doom from Lord of the Rings), crater lakes, steaming earth, grassy hills, rainforest, and stunning views. One stretch of the hike was called Devil's staircase, a 45 minute incline! Grueling - definitely the most challenging hike of our lives - and well worth the rewards!!

On to the next adventure!

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Photos

Tongariro Crossing
Mt. Doom

Blue Crater Lakes
What a hike!

At the Top
Steam under my Feet!

Tubing the Caves
What a ride!

Tongariro Crossing Vistas
Covering A LOT of ground!

Waitomo Cave Splunking Team
California Cheerleaders at the Top

Waitomo Caves, North Island
Splunking Down the River

Waitomo Caves, North Island
Waitomo Repel into the Dark

Waitomo Caves, North Island
The only way out . . . climbing up and through 3 waterfalls! Rock climbing is challenging enough! What will I climb next!

Tongariro Crossing
Top of the Volcano

Comments

[MOM]

Fabulous Adventures!!!
Sis , you and Rachelle are not holding back one iota! Wow! You guys are doing things I never even thought of doing, and you're just attacking those adventures with no holds barred. Loved hearing about the cave trip - glad you did it, because I'd never have the inclination nor the guts! Also, the hike across the volcano wilderness must have really built the old quads. I didn't hear too much about wildlife like Australia. Not so much there? Sounds like that bus pass is working out just fine, and the weather is supporting some good camping outdoors, right? Or are you in hostels every night? Can't wait till the next blog, wherever/whenever you find an internet cafe. Seen any native peoples at all? Great to hear from you - thanks a lot!!! Love and hugs - Mom