The name Waitomo comes from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole.) Beneath the rolling green hills of Waitomo lies another world of caves and underground rivers. It's a place so magical that it has been described as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions. Take a boat ride, abseil or zip-line into the darkness and as the glowworms light up the way, marvel at the wonder of nature.
"After living in New Zealand for four years, one of the things that really stuck with me was the close relationship many New Zealanders have with the outdoors. I enjoy providing travellers with an authentic experience of the unique culture and varied landscapes on offer. I take pride in building you a bespoke itinerary and look forward to helping you make the most of your time in this fantastic country!"
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The Waitomo Caves are on the North Island of New Zealand and they are easily accessible from Hamilton, Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. In this mysterious world of connected river systems and stalactite and stalagmite formations, three main caves make up the Waitomo Cave network: The Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves consists of a 400-metre tunnel and tours range from one to three hours.
The Glowworm Caves are the most famous of the three caves, which have been an attraction for more than 130 years. The glowworm, Arachnocampa Luminosa, is exclusive to New Zealand, making it a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. A walking or boat tour is the best way to explore the caves. As you silently (glowworms don't like noise) manoeuvre through the glowworm grotto, and the tallest Chamber, the Cathedral, these tiny living creatures radiate the luminescent light of a starry galaxy.
Tip: The temperature inside the Glowworm Cave is 16-17 degrees Celcius all year round. Bring a warm jacket and comfortable shoes.
The Ruakari Cave was first discovered almost 500 years ago and is the largest in the area. This cave is wheelchair accessible and is made up of a vast system of limestone formations and crystal tapestries. You'll get to see the glowworms up close and personal in this cave.
The Aranui Cave doesn't have any glowworms but it is home to a mixture of brown, pink and white-hued stalactites and stalagmites. Enter a sparkling, shimmering world that you might believe is a fantasy if it were not real.
Tip: Carry a camera with a low light setting for the best pictures.
There are many things to do around the Waitomo region which include a walk to the 35-metre-high Marokopa Falls, a scenic drive to Mangapohue Natural Bridge as well as a visit to the Waitomo Museum of Caves.
For something truly quirky, attend a local farm show in the evening, or visit the nearby town of Piopio to see the filming location of The Hobbit. If you need to get your thrills in, experience Black Water Rafting where you'll swim, crawl and float through caves on a rubber tube.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to New Zealand in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowThe best time to visit the Waitomo Caves is during the warmer months of November through to April. In other months it can get cold in the actual caves. In summer be prepared for warm and humid conditions.
The Waitomo Caves are a one-hour drive from Hamilton, a two-hour drive from Rotorua and a two-hour forty-minute drive from Auckland. The nearest airport is the Hamilton airport but there are also options to fly to Auckland or Tauranga.
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