Blackwater & Whitewater Rafting

Much to Amy's initial hesitation, we spent the past two days enjoying two water-based, thrill-seeking activities: a "blackwater" rafting inner-tube rafting trip through the limestone caves of Waitomo, and a whitewater trip down the largest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. I repeatedly swore to Amy that our lives would never, ever be in danger; in response, she swore that--if she happened to get injured--our relationship might be. (Yikes.)

First up was blackwater rafting. Armed with wet suits, head lanterns, and inner tubes, we floated down an underground stream through pitch-black (and sometimes narrow, other times vast) caverns filled with impressive rock formations and millions of glowing glowworms. Very unique, very cool. (And maybe a little eerie.) Both of us had a blast, although--at one point, when we had to leap over a small waterfall in a narrow cavern--Amy did turn to me and say: "No way. I can't do this." (She did it. And would probably do it again in a heartbeat.)

Next up was rafting down the Kaituna River, a Class V river with a startling 7 meter drop over Okere Falls. The rafting was incredibly scenic... but I suppose it's hard to focus on scenery when a huge, huge waterfall is in your near future. I'll let the pictures tell the story.... (And, yes, that's Amy in the front of the raft in the white helmet!)

And here are a few more pics from a different (and smaller) waterfall:

We're spending tonight in Rotorua and head to Lake Taupo tomorrow. We will be hiking the Tongariro Crossing on either Monday or Tuesday. Stay tuned!