The Waitomo district offers a myriad of things to see and do. The first clue about what awaits you at Waitomo is in the name – Waitomo coming from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole).
Under the green hills of the district lie a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The Waitomo Caves are a wonders of nature. The easiest way to see the caves is with a
walking or boat tour which will take you through caverns filled with weird and wonderful rock formations and magical glowworms. If you’re into adventure, try the experience of
blackwater rafting through the caves on rubber tubes or abseiling and zip-lining through the caves.
There is as much to see and experience above ground as there is below. The Waitomo area provides stunning landscapes and native wildlife that can be found on one of the many walks. The Pureora forest provides some great short and long hikes suitable for all levels. Take a guided horse trek or visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House and see some New Zealand’s rarest birds in their natural environment. For something completely different take in one of the local farm shows offering a quirky insight into rural New Zealand life.
Must read
Waitomo articles
By Manatu Taonga
By Rebecca Evans
By Paul Stuart-Higgs
By Kirra Holidays