Bungy tower plan for Waitomo
A 70-metre timber tower proposed for Waitomo would be the first of its kind in the world.
The $20 million project would be kitted out with a dry slide, water-touch bungy jump, hot springs and cafe.
A resource consent application has been filed for the project, spearheaded by Hamilton-based entrepreneur John Heskett.
Heskett, 26, sold his scaffolding business to pursue the project – Waitomo Sky Garden – two years ago.
Initially, it was going to be a bungy jump only. But the ‘‘super weird’’ concept evolved and Heskett got an artist to draw up the idea he had for the tower. He used that drawing to sell the idea to three companies and get more plans drawn up.
The tower, surrounded by wetlands, would overlook Waitomo countryside. There would be a lift to take people up to a cafe and roof-top viewing platform.
The slide would wind around the outside of the tower, down to a wetland-themed garden and hot springs at the bottom.
Heskett, who has negotiated a
25-year lease with Progress Waitomo, said it all comes down to the resource consent. More than
$300,000 has already been spent on the project and it will cost more as the consent process unfolds.
Most people love the idea once they see the design, Heskett said.
‘‘Ninety-nine per cent of the time their mouths drop to the floor and they go, what is that? And that means the team did exactly what I wanted. They made a piece of art that made people’s mouths drop to the floor . . . ’’
He’s been working with engineering consultant BCD Group Ltd, Ignite Architects and Form Building and Developments to turn the concept into a reality.
At first, it was hard to get any businesses to work on the unorthodox idea.
‘‘Everyone thinks it’s a bungy jump, but it’s so much more. It has turned into a piece of art now.’’
Waitomo District Mayor Brian Hanna said he was right behind the proposal.
‘‘I’m very supportive of what John is trying to achieve. It’s very different,’’ Hanna said. ‘‘I like the way he has gone to make it timber and made it fit in [with the landscape] as best as he can with a big thing like that. It’s not an ugly steel thing. It’s quite amazing.’’
Most people have reacted positively, but everyone would have a say throughout the consent process, Hanna said.
Hanna said it would help people stay longer. Too many tourists see the cave and leave. ‘‘We’ve got all the below-ground stuff but we want more above ground activities in our district.
‘‘When we combine it to some of the other investment proposals that are happening – especially the hotel – they will go hand in hand.’’
A $40m hotel has been proposed for the golf club near the Waitomo caves, a project currently looking for investors.
Heskett isn’t too worried about the $20m he’ll need to rustle up. Overseas investors have already come knocking and he’s sure Kiwis will, too.
‘‘I’ve had three different contacts, people telling me, ditch Waitomo and bring it over here.
‘‘No way. Kiwi all day.’’