Waitomo CavesWaitomo Caves, first explored in 1887 and opened to the public in 1899 are a very popular tourist attraction for both New Zealanders and tourists. Overhead you will be treated to the spectacle of a myriad of tiny green lights...created by the glow worms that are native to and unique to New Zealand.
With over 300 caves in the system, these stunning limestone caves are well worth including in your travel itinerary when you take your holidays in New Zealand. Many tours visit Waitomo before going on to Rotorua. If you can allow more time to really explore the area you will not be disappointed! New Zealand Glow WormsNew Zealand Glow worms or “arachnocampa luminosa” are the larvae stage of a small winged insect. They use the glow of their tail to attract insects for food and actually have the ability to control the light output....very clever! Glowworms only survive in very damp, dark places where their light can be seen. They need a near flat roof from which they can hang their sticky feeding lines, and a place sheltered from wind ....so caves are the perfect spot.The CavesWaitomo Cave - You start your journey walking through the cave system featuring magnificent formations, eventually coming to the beautiful Cathedral . The acoustics here are so spectacular that our opera singer Kiri Te Kanawa once held a concert in this huge cavern.Your guide will tell you the history, myths and legends of the caves as you go. The finale is a peaceful boat trip gliding through the Glow worm Grotto under the myriad lights of the glow worms. Ruakuri Cave - Many people will just do the main Waitomo Glowworm Cave but you can also go through Ruakuri Cave which features glow worms, a river and beautiful formations. Ruakuri Cave has a 1.6 kilometre guided tour underground..... and is the longest underground tour in the country. Aranui Cave - Another which is different being a dry cave is Aranui. Apart from a collection of native wetas it has little life with no water in the cave. However it does have a beautiful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations, making it well worth visiting.
Cave CombosGuided tours will take you through any or all of these caves. There are entrance combos combining the Waitomo Caves with either Aranui Cave OR Ruakuri Cave....or All ThreeBlackwater Rafting - Another possibility when you visit Waitomo is blackwater rafting. This is a quite different experience with more physical involvement. You will don a wet suit and head lamp....and drift along the river on black inner tubes, through narrow caves lit with beautiful glow worms. It is an exciting way to see caves and glow worms! Waitomo Discovery Centre Waitomo Discovery Centre has fascinating interactive displays , a multi media show, life sized displays, a cave crawl and much more where you can get a real history and knowledge of the area, the caves and the glow worms within. Children just love it! Open Every Day except Christmas Day. Other Activities in the Area - Waitomo glow-worm caves, black water rafting, abseiling, the Lost World, skydiving, horse trekking. Waitomo HotelsKiwi Paka Lodge, Waitomo, New Zealand - Just 2 minutes walk from Waitomo Cave this 3 star hotel has a restaurant and comfortable rooms.Other Nearby Waitomo Accommodation You could alternatively stay in nearby Te Kuiti at Waitomo Lodge Te Kuiti - A 4 star accommodation only 5 kilometres away with very good reviews. Panorama Motor Inn, Te Kuiti - Another 4 star accommodation very suitable for a family and only a short drive to the caves. Te Tiro Bed & Breakfast, Te Kuiti - These pioneer style self contained cottages set on a sheep farm with 350 acres of native bush look very new and would be a great way to have a New Zealand experience.Apparently there are glowworms in the bush only metres from the cottage doors. Waitomo accommodation, New Zealand
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