Waitomo Caves
In the heart of the King Country (Te Rohe Potae) and nestled in the greater Waikato region of the Central North Island, visitors will find a wealth of natural wonders, many of which lie underground amidst hundreds of caves.
Waitomo has been attracting visitors from around the world for more than 100 years to its myriad of glowworm caves, which lie underneath its lush, green surface. Although more than 400 underground caves have been identified, only a handful provide guided tours and offer eco-adventure activities for visitors.
Travel three hours south of Auckland to visit the Waitomo glowworm caves and experience the work of mother nature of over 30 million years. The name Waitomo, in Maori, signifies 'wai' water and 'tomo', hole or shaft.
At the Waitomo glowworm caves, visitors have a chance to venture into the subterranean world where they are able to see natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites which have developed over thousands of years.
Tours usually involve travelling by boat into the glowworm grotto where the path is lit up by thousands of Waitomo glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa), which are unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these creatures radiate their luminescent light as visitors receive historical and geological information from guides.
Cave tubing or black water rafting are activities that are unique to New Zealand and is offered by the Legendary Black Water Rafting Company and Waitomo Adventures. It involves the use of an inflated rubber inner tube which is used as a flotation device to take adrenalin junkies down the river.
Both companies offer a range of tour options varying in thrill-level, length of time, as well as different cave options. For those wanting a more rigorous experience, abseiling and climbing are also incorporated into some tours.
New Zealand glowworms can also be seen in Te Anau, the gateway town to the South Island's Fiordland region, with tour operator Real Journeys.
Another hands-on way for a unique glowworm experience can be found in the Bay of Plenty, not far from the Waitomo Caves. Waimarino Kayak Tours offer a dusk kayak on Lake McLaren. Kayakers paddle through a narrow gorge alive with glowworms, as well as the stars of the night sky above.
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