Stage one
The beginning of this spectacular journey began with a drive to the cave on a person’s private property. Once at the base we were given overalls to wear, boots, a helmet with a light on top and we were fitted with a harness with two cow tails and another metal thing to use during the abseil. We then did a short walk which gave us the opportunity to practice hooking our cow tails to a safety wire then changing lines by only swapping one at a time. On the walk to the platform we were surrounded by beautiful lush greenery. Once we reached the platform we were divided into small groups. Emma, Tamie and I were placed with a cave guide called Anna. Looking over the edge of the platform was incredible. You could barely see the floor underneath. While waiting to be hooked up to the ropes all you could hear was the roar of a river which runs through the cave.
Stage Two
Everyone was feeling a little nervous while being attached to the rope, but we were all ready to begin our 100m descent into the mouth of the cave. The first part was the most difficult, sliding off the edge of the platform and hoping that the ropes will take your weight. We had complete control of the abseil, but we were all attached to Anna as a fail safe. As a result it was a very cozy descend with everyone very close together. We began a slow and steady descent down the rope taking in the view and listening to the guide Anna tell us about the Maori mythology regarding the caves. She also educated us about the history and geography of the caves. After about 15 minutes our confidence began to increase and so did our speed. It was absolutely incredible. Looking up we all felt a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Stage Three
Once safely back on the ground we preceded to the mouth of the cave for a photo before exploring the cave. About 5 minutes after we entered the cave Anna asked if any of us were vegetarians and then gave us a chocolate fish and some juice. After this snack we began to explore the cave being very careful to follow the guide directly so that we did not disturb to rest of the cave or come across an unsafe part. Our first stop at the cave was to see the glow worms which was a magnificent sight. We all sat on a rock, turned our helmet lights off and then looked up. Directly above us there were heaps of tiny bright blue lights. After a quick lesson on the life of glow worms we were off again. After a few minutes we came face to face with a 30m ladder going straight up. Because of the dark we were unable to see the top of the ladder. We went up the ladder one at a time and had to be attached. The ladder climb was difficult as we were climbing in big gumboots and the only light we had came from our helmets. Once at the top we were met by a labyrinth of ladders, rocks to climb over and very thin ledges that were only a foot width wide. It was also icy cold. Two and a half hours after first entering the mouth of the cave we reentered the world. The cave exit was like a stony wall covered in vines. It looked very much like a ruined castle being taken back by Mother Nature. After a silent work for several minutes back to the bus it was over, but will never be forgotten. This truly is a lost world.
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