Gimme Shelter
Kia Ora!
Whether it's the steep, craggy cliffs surrounding the peaceful waters and white sand beach of Cathedral Cove or the stalagmite and stalactite laden caverns of Waitomo Caves, you're bound to come across many a cave and cove here. Par for the course. New Zealand screams adventure. You expect that the view around that peak will be breathtaking or what lies in that dark crevice will be worth the fright you endure. In recent days I've experienced much of the cave/cove dramatics with a particular episode, well...illuminating.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a sight to behold. Albeit there is little but pitch black to see down in what's called the Glowworm Grotto. But what lies above you in the cave ceilings as you stealthily float through the darkness in the boat below, seems magical. Thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand, have made these caves their homes. During the larva stage of their lives, they emit a visible light and grow only to be the size of a matchstick. Put thousands of them together above you and you've got the clearest, starriest night you've ever seen. All underground.
I could probably think of other caves and coves than Waitomo that would make a more suitable dwelling, but it sure was nice to visit.
Po Marie! (Good night in Maori)
Cathedral Cove
The secluded beach of Cathedral Cove
Cave hopping by sea from Whitianga
Waitomo Glowworm Caves promotional picture (no photos allowed). This doesn't do it justice.
