My life hung by a thread...
If you’ve read other RT’s LOTR posts, you may already know about my fear of heights. You will understand that dangling on a rope 100metres above rocks is not my favourite place to be.
However, today I’ve learned to trust gear and trust guides.
The Waitomo Caves are a two and a half drive south of Auckland. I thought I’d seen enough limestone caves to last me the rest of my life. All a bit the same, I thought.
But the great thing about Waitomo is doing it as an adventure activity. I abseiled down the aforementioned 100m rope before breakfast, with Guide Anna encouraging me from above and Guide Jimmy attached to me by a blue strap – ‘If I go, he goes,’ I thought, so I followed his instructions to the letter.
...so I could smile when looking up, but not when looking down.
It's worth it, because the Lost World is a remarkable place.
Then I pulled on a wetsuit, helmet and light, and when told to jump backwards off a waterfall into the dark, I asked ‘How far?’ ‘Far enough to miss the rock ledge,’ said Guide Vee. I set a personal best for the backwards spring from standing start.
It's like the army - they dress you all the same and make you look ridiculous, so you'll follow orders without question.
The writer was a guest of Tourism New Zealand, Waitomo Adventures and The Legendary Blackwater Rafting Company.
I’ll take your word that it was great, because I am not doing it.
Nor am I. My fear of heights must be infinitely greater than yours!
WOW! It looks awesome! I’ll take your word about the experience, though
Thanks for the piking out, BdL, Libby and Carol.
The best thing about having done it is having done it, and thus never having to do it again!
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