Angus Stubbs is the closest thing New Zealand has to a caveman. His workplace is Waitomo Caves, a subterranean world of limestone sculptures lit by the taillights of millions of tiny glow-worms.

The caves and Waitomo are famous on the world stage, attracting half a million visitors to the Waikato region annually. People come to walk, climb, squeeze or float through the ancient labyrinth of corridors, each bend leading to another magic chapter of this alien underworld.

Angus, an earth scientist, is the operations supervisor for the Legendary Blackwater Rafting company, New Zealand’s first black water rafting company. But the paradise that is his workplace is also his family’s turangawaewae (cultural and spiritual base) Five generations of his family have lived in Waitomo. His great-grandparents came in 1914. Today, his parents, uncle, siblings and children all live in an enclave on the hills above the caves.

He is living the dream. “A lot of my friends and university mates ask me why I don’t move to the bright lights of the city. I say, ‘When I’ve got everything I need on my doorstep and the world comes to me, why should I’?

Caves have been the backdrop to his life. He first visited the awe-inspiring Ruakuri Cave on his fifth birthday. When he was seven, he was lowered by cavers into deep cavities to check what lay around the corners.

The underworld is like a home. “It feels natural to be there.” He wouldn’t mind living there. A devoted Tolkien fan, he loves the parallels in the fictional and natural worlds. The sound effects for Lord of the Rings were recorded in Ruakuri Cave. Two cave eels are named Gollum and Smeagol. His daughter, Pippin, is named after Frodo’s Hobbit companion. Angus says he was delighted when New Zealand was chosen as Middle Earth.

He says the pleasure of his work is sharing his world with others. “When people fall in love with the place, it’s an affirmation of your own feelings. The caves also connect the Waitomo community. “Half the 300 permanent residents are employed in caving activities. It sustains the population.”

He says the innovations that continue to germinate in the Waitomo valley, reflect the entrepreneurial spirt of the local people. It’s also a place where cultural, historical and family values are respected. There is respect for the past and optimism for the future. “Pretty much the best place on earth.”

www.waitomo.com