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Blackwater Rafting Experiencefor our Slovak visitors!A Black water rafting experience is a uniquely New Zealand experience. The Slovak family our daughter lived with for a year as an exchange student, were coming to visit. Waitomo Caves was definitely on the sightseeing list. Our natural caves with glowworms shining their ethereal green light from the roof and walls like a clear night sky, is one of the most popular tourist sightseeing stops. But Marita had different ideas. She was insistent that Black Water Rafting, where you get the glowworm cave experience in a much more exciting way, was for her family. Zuzka her host sister was 14 years old and we knew would love it. Lacko, her host Dad would too. But Elenka, her host Mum, we were not too sure about. We arrived at Waitomo’s Black Water Rafting office and tickets bought, were taken to a large open shed where wetsuits to fit all shapes and sizes were hanging. These wetsuits did need to fit all shapes and sizes. Some of us are no longer small! But there was something for everyone. After struggling into the full wetsuits and footwear we had to find a suitable helmet to fit our heads snuggly. Head lamps were attached and we were all ready to go. We climbed into a van along with a few more like minded adventurers, and were driven a few kilometres to the start of our Black Water rafting tour. Our guides pulled out huge black rubber rings – they look like they are the inner tubes from truck or large car tires. A range of sizes to fit different sized behinds. Elenka was looking nervous. The reason for her fear became apparent. We were standing on a jetty 3 or 4 metres above a small stream. The guide demonstrated how we were to throw our ring into the water and then jump backwards landing sitting, in the rubber ring! We all took the plunge, though some of us hesitantly, and amazingly, we were soon floating down the stream. So far, so good. With guides front and back there was no concern that anyone would get left behind. Black water rafting at this point, seemed rather cruisy. Before we went into the caves we were shown how to hold onto the feet of the person in front. This is called eeling. Lamps turned on, we entered the caves and spent some time manoeuvring through, at times, quite small spaces, glow worms surrounding us, shining their green lights at close quarters. I was a little hindered by wearing glasses that kept misting up. But it was just magical floating through the caves. Stalactites and stalagmites came and went as we drifted by. Up, over, round rocks, through narrow caves, with a break in a spot large enough to accommodate us all, - there were about 12 -15 of us. There was a more tricky option riding the rubber rings down a waterfall for those confident enough to give it a go. Once the brave had finished we carried on, eventually emerging into daylight. We finished by floating downstream to a pick up point, where a driver was already waiting for us. We stripped off our gear and washed it out in the large tubs, hanging them out to dry ready for the next lot of adventurers. A hot shower, followed by piping soup and bagels provided, were very welcome. We all proclaimed this one of the best things we had done in years. Elenka was so proud of her achievement. It was definitely a highlight of their trip. I can safely say we would ALL recommend Black Water Rafting as a great experience for young and old alike.
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