Stubbs is operations supervisor for The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. in Waitomo, established in 1987 and New Zealand’s first “black water” (think underground rivers) adventure tour company.
This year is the 10th anniversary of the re-opening of Ruakuri Cave, following a major construction project that created a new entrance and system of suspended walkways, allowing the less intrepid – as well as adrenaline junkies – to experience the underworld in different ways. Stubbs has been with the company as a guide since its inception and was one of the crew who worked on the construction.
“There was no blueprint for the job. You can’t call 1-800-CAVE CONSTRUCTION. We basically learned on the job.” Every tool had to be floated in, including a concrete mixer which was bounced over the waterfall. “We did learn that you shouldn’t jump off a waterfall with sacks of cement.”
The result is a labyrinth of intricate ramps and steel gantries suspended from the roof, spiralling into the depths of the cave through delicate tapestries of limestone formations, stalactites and twinkling glowworm lights. The suspended tracks give visitors a dramatic close-up view of the cave, but also protect the fragile underground eco-systems. Stubbs – an earth scientist – says the construction is a marvel in environmental terms that was “pivotal in its design.”
Ruakuri Cave
Range of Experiences
It was also important to provide a range of experiences for visitors. These are from a more sedate stroll down the staircase and black water tubing – the Black Labyrinth tour – to the adrenaline-pumped Black Abyss and Black Odyssey adventures that include abseiling, taking a flying fox above the roaring dark streams, or spider-walking through ancient rift passages.
Into Middle-earth
A devoted Tolkien fan as a child, Stubbs loves the parallels in the fictional and natural worlds. Many sound effects for The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy were recorded in Ruakuri Cave.
The Lord of the Rings director Sir Peter Jackson, Hillary Clinton and Katy Perry have visited.
Background: Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Waitomo Caves – in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s central North Island – is an ancient wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, deep caverns, and underground streams bathed in the ethereal light of millions of glowworms. Named by early Maori explorers, Waitomo translates as wai (water) and tomo (hole).
The caves, which celebrated 125 years of guiding last year, are one of New Zealand's original and most visited tourist attractions. From peaceful guided walks to the extreme black water rafting adventures, there are many ways to explore this subterranean playground. Ruakuri Cave, opened 10 years ago, is the newest of these magnificent adventure playgrounds.
How to Get There
Waitomo is just over a two-hour drive south of Auckland, a little over an hour south of Hamilton and two hours west of Rotorua. From Auckland, travel on SH1 to Hamilton and then south on SH39. Turn right to Waitomo Village. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. is about six kilometres from the turnoff. There are flights to Hamilton from most major New Zealand cities.
Best Time to Visit
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. is open all year round. The most popular season with overseas tourists is summer but, because the temperature in the caves remains constant at 14C (57F) and the caves are underground, weather is not an issue. Very high rainfall may affect the operation of some tours.
How to Book
Book online at:
www.waitomo.com/ruakuri-cave or phone: +64 7878 8228. Bookings can also be made through tour companies and the Waitomo i-SITE Visitor Centre.
www.waitomocaves.com
To create your unique New Zealand adventure, please visit:
www.NewZealand.com and check out the “Wishlist handy vacation planner.
