While Groovy Grape’s typical Kangaroo Island tour includes kayaking, that activity isn’t as much fun on a rainy day like today. So we go to plan B: exploring the Kelly Hill Caves (“C” on the map below).

I have to admit that when I first heard about the cave tour, I was skeptical. How could it possibly live up to New Zealand’s spectacular caves? But I was wrong — Kelly Hill Cave is as impressive as they come.

A knowledgeable and passionate guide goes a long way, and our tour guide fits the bill. Her genuine enthusiasm for the cave’s geological history elevates this tour from good to great.

And as a photographer, I appreciate the strategic placement of lights within the cave. Check out the image below — the stalactites and stalagmites are backlit really stand out.

Considering that many of these stalactites grow only a few centimeters a year (“about the length of a fingernail,” our guide tells us), these formations are impressively long.

My favorite part of the tour is when our guide turns off ALL the lights, shrouding us in total darkness. She then lights a single match to show what it was like for the early explorers who navigated these underground tunnels with just a tiny amount of light.

While I normally curse rain and cloudy skies, today I am thankful that the poor weather led to our unexpected caving experience. I’ll have to return to Kangaroo Island someday to try the kayaking!

This post is sponsored by Groovy Grape Getaways, who cater to the adventurous backpacker looking for a fun and informative trip. These photos were taping on the Kangaroo Island tour. All opinions are my own.