Glowworm Caves of Waitomo is a world-renowned cave system located in the North Island of New Zealand. The caves are known for their stunning glowworm displays, as well as their unique limestone formations and underground rivers.
Visitors to Waitomo Caves can take a guided tour of the cave system, which includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of tiny glowworms light up the cave walls like stars in the night sky. The tours also take visitors through other parts of the cave system, including the Cathedral, a large underground chamber with stunning acoustics, and the Tomo, a vertical shaft that leads down to the underground river.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, Waitomo Caves also offer several caving and adventure tours. Visitors can explore the cave system by abseiling, climbing, and crawling through narrow passageways and underground streams.
In addition to its cave system, Waitomo is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with several hiking trails and scenic drives in the area. Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine, including the famous New Zealand meat pies, and learn about the region’s Maori culture at the nearby Maori village.
Accommodation options in Waitomo range from budget-friendly hostels and camping sites to luxury lodges and hotels, ensuring there is something for every type of traveler.
Overall, Waitomo Caves is a unique and unforgettable destination that offers visitors the chance to explore one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural wonders and experience the thrill of adventure in a truly magical setting.
Things to do in Glowworm Caves of Waitomo
Waitomo Caves is a popular tourist destination located on the North Island of New Zealand. The caves are known for their unique glowworms, limestone formations, and underground rivers. Here are some of the top things to do in Waitomo Caves:
- Glowworm Cave Tours: The most popular activity in Waitomo Caves is taking a guided tour of the glowworm caves. You’ll walk through the underground caves and see the thousands of glowworms lighting up the caverns like stars. There are several tour options available, including boat tours, walking tours, and adventure tours.
- Black Water Rafting: Black Water Rafting is a unique and exciting way to explore the Waitomo Caves. You’ll ride on an inner tube through the underground rivers and see the glowworms up close. There are several levels of tours available, from beginner to advanced.
- Cave Tubing: Similar to black water rafting, cave tubing is a fun and adventurous way to explore the Waitomo Caves. You’ll float through the underground rivers on an inflated tube and see the stunning limestone formations and glowworms.
- Abseiling and Climbing: For the adventurous, abseiling and climbing tours are available in the Waitomo Caves. You’ll rappel down underground waterfalls and climb up the limestone formations.
- Cave Walks: There are several self-guided walking tours available in the Waitomo Caves, where you can explore the caves at your own pace. You’ll see the stunning limestone formations, underground rivers, and glowworms.
- Zipline Tours: Ziplining through the Waitomo Caves is an exciting and unique way to explore the underground landscape. You’ll fly through the caverns and see the stunning views from above.
- Waitomo Museum: The Waitomo Museum is a great place to learn about the history and geology of the Waitomo Caves. You’ll see exhibits on the local Maori culture, the formation of the caves, and the unique ecosystem of the glowworms.
- Waitomo Adventure Park: The Waitomo Adventure Park offers a range of activities, including ziplining, abseiling, rock climbing, and cave tubing. You can also stay overnight in one of their glamping tents or cabins.
- Marokopa Falls: Located near Waitomo Caves, Marokopa Falls is a stunning 35-meter waterfall surrounded by lush native bush. You can take a short hike to the falls and enjoy the scenic views.
- Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park: The Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park is located near Waitomo Caves and is home to several native bird species, including the kiwi. You can take a guided tour and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these endangered birds.
[…] Waitomo Caves: Situated in the North Island, the Waitomo Caves are renowned for their enchanting glowworms, which illuminate the underground caverns like a celestial sky. Guided tours provide visitors with an up-close encounter with this natural wonder. […]