Waitomo's Lights - Avatar in Real Life - 4k

Waitomo is the centre of the universe for glow worms in New Zealand. With cave, boat and black water rafting tours, there are plenty of glow worm adventures. This time-lapse video was a made as a follow-up to our previous glowworm video "Glowworms in Motion" (bit.ly/Glowworm...) which won the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year - Timelapse award. We shot this one mainly for the love of spending time underground beneath the twinkling lights of glow worm galaxies. We initially thought the 60 hours spent in caves to make the first video would satisfy us but as we are finding out there is something addictive about underground photography. The more difficult the better. This one took 30 hours underground and over 3000 pictures were taken in that time. We hope you enjoy it!
To have an epic glowworm adventure yourself, head on over to bit.ly/Discover... and check out all the cool options.
To read the story of how we first started filming glowworms check out this blog: bit.ly/Glowworm...
The story behind this video is here:www.stokedforsa...
Special thanks to Jenna for having the patience to spend hours underground with me and also Ilya Inov for subbing in for Jenna at one point to get the last sequences. Ilya may have actually enjoyed his 16 hours underground more than me. He posts his photography work here: bit.ly/Ilya_Flickr
Also, a shout out to Mr. Glowworm Cave (Logan Doull) for making sure we didn't get lost underground and protecting us from the eels ;)
About the Series:
Living a Kiwi Life is about a Canadian couple (me and Jenna) who have lived in Canada all our lives and made the decision to move to New Zealand having never gone there before. We quit our jobs, sold our houses and cars and left everything we knew to explore an unknown.
Stoked for Saturday Links:
Blog: www.stokedforsa...
Instagram: / stokedforsaturday
Facebook: / stokedforsaturday
Twitter: / stoked4saturday
Snapchat: @stoked4saturday
Music:
bdProductions - Documentary Background (audiojungle.net)
Cameras used:
Canon 5D Mark III bit.ly/Canon5DM...
Canon 6D bit.ly/Canon6DC...
For business inquiries and licensing email [e-mail]

[@devinsupertramp]

Mind blown, once again, awesome job everyone!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

Thanks Devin! :)

[@victor.sigheti]

+devinsupertramp thank you for showing us this channel, Devin :) Awesome job, Stocked for Saturday :)

[@SylkaChan]

New Zealand is the strangest land in the world. I would definitely claim it if it was up to me.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

If you loved the last glowworm video we've got one more for you ;)

[@taylorsteele1120]

Stoked for Saturday were you able to go alone with no tour guide?

[@peterpain6625]

Because your videos are still epic. I always circle back here when i need quick nz-fix ;) Thanks so much for sharing!

[@ElioDellaValle47]

This is so intense and magical! These visuals are stunning and this place is one of my top 10 places to visit on this earth! Thank you for this! :D

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+From Elio's Lens It's definitely worth being on your top 10!

[@MyAdventureHat]

Love it!! This cave is gorgeous in real life but you captured zoomed in details we could never get looking up from the water below, fantastic job.

[@weseehere4837]

This is so cool! Way to spend the time to show the magic of the cave! Spending that much time in there must have let you feel a little bit of what life is like in there.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

Yes, I came out feeling like Gollum.

[@weseehere4837]

Wow, as long as you didn't start into riddles, I think all is okay!

[@muddyheartpottery]

Seriously one of the most beautiful videos I've ever seen!. Great job you two! Keep the adventures alive ❤️✌🏻

[@Stokedforsaturday]

thanks!

[@ryahjanec]

So incredibly beautiful! This video has reminded me to appreciate my own backyard as I have grown up in NZ :) Thanks guys!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Ryah Jane ;)

[@junkemail3769]

I loved this video, the glowworms are amazing. It's also cool to think that I've been there too

[@slsaun8577]

Very beautiful ...thanks !!!!👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷💖💖💖💖💖💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕👍👍👍

[@stvnk1m]

Amazing! That's going to be my bucket list!

[@dbuchwalterdb]

Magically magical

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+darla indeed

[@aggloagglo1134]

MERVEILLE DU MONDE / FANTASTIQUE / IRRÉEL / ÉPOUSTOUFLANT à couper le souffle regarder sur place ! Un GRAND MERCI de FRANCE pour nous ramener dans AVATAR avec votre SUPERBE BELLE VIDÉO !

[@kittybear2011]

I seen so many videos about this place,I really want to visit and experience what it's really like!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

it's amazing, you won't be disappointed!

[@analucialagos5390]

Such crisp footage for a very dark environment. Great job! That whole atmosphere looks amazingly magical.

[@surfdetective]

another full screen video awesome

[@Stokedforsaturday]

:)

[@twelge15]

Like Crocodile Dundee,....that's not spelunking. This is Spelunking! Sooo amazing! Bucket list activity!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+twelge15 ;)

[@nikitagillespie-reid7460]

I live in New Zealand, My mum works there! I get free trips! I did it once and when we turned the lights out I hit my head agenst the rocks.. not one of my highlights... Its an amazing experience and if you could do it, you'd enjoy it!

[@sohinichakraborty5718]

I think these r glow worms?

[@mechabrat]

I love this so much. Such lovely images.

[@amazingworld7359]

WOWWW.....!!!! Really Amazing.... Nice shoot....

[@TheSerialHobbyistGirl]

WOW. Beautiful!

[@esgee3829]

Very nice story telling in this one with the opening and closing sequences.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Es Gee thanks, yes I thought it was important to give some context with the rafting experience, glad you liked that aspect of it.

[@Agnethatheredhairkid]

Bloody awesome!

[@ricrush1200]

Magical

[@orenmesh8471]

Wow,amazing !!

[@dawnmarie7118]

Fascinating !! Thank You for Sharing !!!

[@SeanandHaley]

What an amazing video! Adding this to my bucket list right now!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

you won't regret it!

[@Vladimiradventurephotography]

Guys, it's amazing stuff you have here! After watching Great Walks, I am ready to travel to NZ. In a few days I am off to 300 mile hike in Norway, but next year maybe... Will keep my fingers crossed for NZ trip. Keep it up, subscribed!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

thanks, you won't regret a NZ trip. We're looking to make it to Norway sometime!

[@maciejrachlak]

Simply beautiful :)

[@onemadhungrynomad]

this is an incredible video! really amazing!

[@chasefrock]

Great video as usual! I found out about the eels AFTER going through the caves, which was a good thing for me. Good luck with the move as I'm sure it will be bittersweet..

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Chase Frock the little ones aren't scary but there are a few monster big ones out there that I wouldn't want to accidental stick my hand in front of. The move it coming very soon, I've got conflicting feelings about it but should open up new doors which will be fun.

[@woodlandsnorth]

WOW! What an amazing phenomenon! Great quality, just watched in 4K and it was stunning.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Outdoor Archives thanks! Glad it looks good in 4K. I don't have a 4K monitor unfortunately but I'm sure I'll see it in 4K one day ;)

[@dinissantos173]

SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOD!

[@bdproductions]

Very nice!! Could not have imagined a better use for my music. Beautiful!!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

Thanks for making such a great song, you have no idea how long i looked to find something that fit!

[@Yuki-cc7wk]

Sorry ~May I can ask this song name？

[@Stokedforsaturday]

check the description

[@mauriciocharavelazco9150]

Mentira no está en la descripción!!!!

[@GoodLife-wt1kh]

Cool! we popped into the ticket shop over the weekend to pick up some brochures. looking at doing this in the near future.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Good Life sweet as

[@carterhogan7725]

This is incredible!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

thanks Carter, hope you're having fun in Aus

[@triepiclife]

YeS! with a capital S. As stated, loved the last one and this one was splendidly fantastic as well. Keep living it up, you greats.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Tri-Epic Life -“With Erik Epic Olson” thanks!

[@MTBFOXstreet]

That is amazing! Awesome job on the time lapse photography! Loved it!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Jordan Perry thanks!

[@TreneiroVlog]

More than Cool!

[@4icy]

Amazing! Keep going

[@CelebrityPets]

wow....really beautifully done!

[@piratebzh225]

Wooooo Very Beautiful =)

[@ThePerimeter]

This is awesome!

[@LimatroadsBlogspotRu]

Нереально!!!! Красота!!!

[@diabloking120]

Miss climbing through the caves and seeing this 😔

[@vilmanogueirao4701]

Fantástico !!

[@ThereseEriksson]

OH my lord, bucket list be so sure! =)

[@Stokedforsaturday]

yes, it's well worth it :)

[@StarLiteRoseWolf]

Sorry about last comment no offense intended l thought beautiful video hopefully you’ll all have fun time there

[@jessicawright2178]

wow never knew about glow worms. amazing video would love to do this myself but I fear small spaces like this.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

haha this cave was actually pretty large once you got past the narrow entrance.

[@jessicawright2178]

Wow. I guess my fear of caves is from movies in caves and how everyone does

[@logandoull2007]

movies have a lot to answer for! Unfortunately this is where most peoples cave experience begins... You have to see the real thing for yourself!

[@JensMEichkorn]

They didn't let me take my camera with me when I was there half a year ago. So these are some awesome memories - thanks! :)

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Jens M Eichkorn you're welcome. I don't think they let cameras on most of the tours as it would significantly slow the tours down and glowworms don't respond well to flashes. Although I do think they allow cameras on the Ruakuri cave tour one.

[@JensMEichkorn]

+Stoked for Saturday well I only asked to take my GoPro on my helmet. Wouldn't really slow things down. Think it's more, because they wanna sell their own photos. Didn't know about the other tour unfortunately.

[@MrScatMat]

Yes, in the ruakuri cave there are areas in which you can use your camera

[@BlackWaterRafting]

@@JensMEichkorn GoPros aren't worth the hassle - they don't handle the low light of caves and would really struggle with glowworms

[@mayflower3012]

loved it

[@caminandoelmundoes]

me suscribo a vuestro canal!! es genial!!

[@OverpassVisuals]

wow, just wow

[@EatAway]

That is just wonderful!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Eat Away thanks, it was fun to make!

[@samuelaseolas]

absolutely amazing!! shots are magical

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Sam Seolas :)

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Sam Seolas :)

[@tamolo8555]

This is excellent!!)

[@impressionisttt]

wow wow wow.. I wish I see this view for real

[@Stokedforsaturday]

You can, go to all these locations if you go to Waitomo!

[@mattmaca]

Another awesome video although you just can't beat your original as that was just magical. I've been to see the Glow worms in Te Anua a few times. It sounds like Waitomo is the best though? If that's the case will be taking the kids there when we visit later in the year, they'll love it I'm sure. Also have read that the Spellbound tour is the best?

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+mattmaca Waitomo is probably the most impressive display we've seen so far. Although each display is different so the concept of "best" is kind of subjective. The patch above the boats in the main glowworm cave next to the big visitor centre in Waitomo is the most dense one we've seen but it's also very high up. We haven't been to spellbound or Te Anua. There are just too many options.

[@mattmaca]

+Stoked for Saturday True, popular is probably more the word. Either cave will have the kids gazing in wonder and me smiling at them so all good. With you travelling home I just want to wish you both safe travels, take care and look after each other. I will continue to tune in and support your wonderful vids. Thanks guys, take it easy!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

cheers +mattmaca.

[@surfdetective]

Toooooo cool

[@kewalee1256]

How to take such a incredible VDO like this?

[@PhysicsViolator]

so beutiful i want to stick them on my bedroom ceiling XD

[@DStrayCat69]

Amazing :-)

[@88Meava88]

this is gorgous. wauw. you just fall silent.

[@CuriousMoth]

I was expecting that life ring to explode when it reached her. Junkrat main btw p.s. Man these glow worms are awesome. I wish I was a glow worm, that'd be cool.

[@ElroyMcKay]

Amazing video guys. Can you please tell me a bit about which settings you used (ISO and Shutter)? Appreciate if anyone could give me tips or advice. Love the vids! Keep it up.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Elroy McKay the settings changed from clip to clip but the ISO in the video varied from 3200 to 6400 and shutter on the time-lapse sequences were all 30 seconds.

[@NomadicInThePhilippines]

Wow great shots! was this done in a hyperlapse style?

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Nomadic In The Philippines it was done on a motorized dolley about 6 feet long.

[@NomadicInThePhilippines]

sexy!

[@Planetary-1]

if you think earth is boring and has nothing cool, just remember these amazing bioluminescence plants and others

[@NikkiSarinoPada]

Whoa!!!!

[@McCaithnessfilms]

It looks like something from a high production cost film but it ain't It looks really nice colourful mysterical Great work stoked for Saturday We're is that in new zealand

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Mc Caithness films thanks, it's in Waitomo which is near Hamilton.

[@thaddeuslabarge3006]

That intro though

[@gauwoof]

I've been there in Jan 2020. Underground galaxy :)

[@01ASTRALICE]

Hope you don't minnd, but I'm sharing part of the video on Tumblr. Obviously I'll add the link to this videos. I really loved this video in 4K.

[@walperstyle]

Hope you got my question posted on Episode 3. Thanks for any tips.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+walperstyle just replied to your episode 3 comment.

[@Elmercuaton]

wow

[@PeacemakerFr]

it's awesome, really want to visit NZ after this video. can i ask you the music title ?

[@Stokedforsaturday]

music is listed in the description

[@jimmyd8726]

Amazing creature. Btw, was the video in time lapsed mode? I just wondering if those worms can glow that fast

[@Stokedforsaturday]

it is a time-lapse

[@bryantfarmandforest]

It looked like they were all moving to the beat of the music

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Xavi haha yes, some of that was timing the edit a bit. Other times it's just luck ;)

[@Radical_Dreamers]

And here i am, in my shitty grey, sad and rainy european town

[@atomipi]

And here I am in my mass 1080 poisoned New Zealand - corruption exterminating all our native bush wildlife, we cant swim in our rivers, or drink our water. A pretend "nice place" in brochures - but it's really a shithole too.

[@hauteswan2541]

Wowowowowow

[@thespidernaut2411]

Hi may I use this video for a school project! I will give credits to u! Thank u!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

email [e-mail] for license details.

[@spencerschwarz958]

can I use parts of this in a video of mine, I would give you full credit. This is absolutely stunning! good work and keep it up

[@Stokedforsaturday]

Sorry, we don't license parts of the video in return for credit.

[@PRODUCCIONARIO]

This is so cool! Can we feature this video on our IG and FB page and tag you for credits?

[@libby4810]

Awesome video! Do you guys have anymore trips planned?

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Libby Firmin Yes we do, Virgina Beach in the US next month and Sri Lanka the following month. We still have lots of unreleased videos from New Zealand and Bali. I just need to edit them. Should be a new one up in the next couple of weeks.

[@libby4810]

+Stoked for Saturday Awesome! Have fun in the US and Sri Lanka!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

thanks!

[@llew789]

Really awesome!! SO beautiful. I was there 6 months ago. How were you able to get a private tour? Did you pay extra to get that? Once again. Awesome

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Natanael Alfven they gave us special access to make this video for our channel.

[@llew789]

+Stoked for Saturday thats great :) do you mind if I ask how you got that. I just paid the fee for two tours and was asking several times about camera, on the rua tour i could bring it but we were like 20 people.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Natanael Alfven our previous glowworm video was very successful with a lot of views and winning a big award so they accompanied us and invited us to film in their caves because it would provide good exposure for their tours.

[@Vaijourney]

wowwww

[@josecarlosschumann8531]

As maravilhas que Deus criou..

[@ihramsalis]

what happen's ???

[@rapha3793]

♥!

[@novaBioch]

سبحانك ربي

[@justsomebraddah]

did you both book a tour and were allowed to use cameras in the cave? i read on some tour-groups' website that they do not allow cameras. i would appreciate an answer to how this magic happened.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

We had special permission and a private tour in order to film this. Unfortunately they don't allow filming on most of their trips. A lot of them will take pictures for you as part of the tour.

[@justsomebraddah]

thanks a lot for the information. i was planning a trip to NZ, and getting shots like this on a personal camera would be amazing. we still plan on going here regardless. much mahalos for the videos. #inspiring

[@logandoull2007]

Go for the Ruakuri Cave tour then. Some of the shots featured in this video are on the walking tour, and photography is allowed, though it is not a photography tour - there won't be time for setting up a tripod.

[@justsomebraddah]

mahalo for the heads up bro. will make a note of that

[@hugoleonardo5236]

Blackreach?

[@RaccoonNation]

So the signs in the heavens are coming from glowworms? Good to know .. good to know .. 👻💓😂

[@miyaoberman3755]

[@soumitranayak1506]

ZEREXUS NOVA ❤️

[@BrothersuKnow]

I came here from snapchat ;D and Damn great video!!

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+BrothersuKnow coool, so you would have also seen the 15 pieces of luggage we are struggling to pack right now

[@agartha1192]

جميل جدا. ...💟

[@silentamarok7089]

Real life shimmer mist cave

[@saundrakielborn2201]

Defo looks better here than in person, still beautiful, though. They do not allow photography either, which really sucks, even if you don’t use a flash, they want you to purchase the very expensive souvenirs, which you can buy in the nearby village for a fraction of the price.

[@anibal7465]

I maybe go to New Zealand for one year in 2017. Will you still be there ?

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Tintin Likely not as we are leaving for Canada this Friday. I'm sure this won't be the last time we are in NZ though...

[@anibal7465]

Wow, ok ! :D I'll miss your New Zealand videos, you created, at least in part, my yearning for adventure in this amazing country ! All of them were awesome:) Hope you will enjoy your comeback at home then ! :) Will you continue making videos ?

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Tintin not to worry. We still have lots of videos to come out for NZ and will be eventually start making some for Canada also :)

[@anibal7465]

Ok then, I'm happy about that :) Where do yo guys live in Canada ?

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Tintin we're moving to Nova Scotia (where Jenna's from). I'm originally from Ontario

[@XtraFilm-zf8jq]

Where is this

[@Stokedforsaturday]

+Xtra.Film Waitomo

[@andresstevencastillo3689]

Can I use some images of your video for my instagram page? , I clearly give you the credits, thanks.

[@Stokedforsaturday]

Yes you can, just tag our Instagram page please. Cheers.