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Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of the North Island’s most beautiful natural attractions in New Zealand. You can experience something unforgettable-floating in sublime silence through the glow of these caves as the blue light of the glowworms will create a dream world. In addition to the glowing glowworms, limestone formations, underground rivers, and historic material make it a fascinating place to visit for nature lovers and adventurers. The Glowworm Caves promise an experience that is quite captivating and truly unique.
Location
Photo: Joe Ross / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves lie in the Waitomo district of the North Island of New Zealand, 200 kilometres south of Auckland and 70 kilometres west of Rotorua. These caves boast a unique phenomenon- their glowing insect, Arachnocampa Luminosa-exists nowhere other than in New Zealand. Surrounding rolling green hills, Waitomo is a quiet rural district. The caves can be viewed by driving through scenic routes that pass by beautiful landscapes or guided tours.
How To Reach Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Photo: Julian Herzog / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The closest airport is Hamilton Airport, but you can get to Waitomo Caves by driving from there for about 2 hours. You can fly into Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch and then rent a car to drive out to the caves.
By Car: If you are driving, Waitomo is about 2.5 hours south of Auckland or 1.5 hours out of Hamilton. The roads are in great shape, and so is the view-one of the best country views in New Zealand.
By Bus: There are bus companies from larger cities such as Auckland and Hamilton that can get someone to Waitomo.
Places To Visit In And Around Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Explore hidden treasures in and around the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The experiences there create a combination of natural beauty and adventure.
1. Otorohanga Kiwi House
Photo: Symac / Wikimedia Commons
This is a very special experience in New Zealand. It is the only one in the country offering visitors the rarest chance to see up close the most iconic bird: the kiwi. The Otorohanga Kiwi House, located at the heart of Otorohanga, is focused on native wildlife conservation; it protects endangered species. Visitors can tour several enclosures that also demonstrate both the tui and kea. The nocturnal kiwi enclosure features the rare, flightless bird in its natural habitat for visitors. Kiwi House offers an educational experience through displays and daily feedings for all wildlife enthusiasts of any age.
Timings: Daily 10 AM – 4 PM
2. Ruakuri Cave
Photo: Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ruakuri Cave is another must-visit which lies a short distance away from the main Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It’s famous for its beautiful limestone formations and for having a rather unique spiral entrance that opens up to everyone. It is also less crowded than the most famous glowworm caves, so it feels more personal. The guided tour will take you through the interesting passages of the cave, majestically past stalactites and stalagmites, and naturally, glowworms. You’ll also learn about the rich Maori history of the cave and its importance to the local people.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Aranui Cave
Photo: Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Aranui Cave is a great experience for visitors to Waitomo. Known for its delicate and beautiful limestone formations, Aranui Cave is smaller and less busy than the other caves. There’s a guided tour within the cave that lets people see shimmering stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. It may not be the most popular glowworm cave, but it still provides an underground atmosphere that’s serene and of awe. This cave is an ideal and peaceful haven for the nature lover within the widely unique, untouched atmosphere of the cave. This cave is ideal for those who wish to have a more serene experience away from the larger crowds found at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. Black Water Rafting
Photo: Rogue River rafting / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Black Water Rafting at Waitomo serves as an exciting way for the adventurous visitor to experience the caves. You float through the dark, twisting passages of subterranean caves in inflatable rubber tubes. The light display is simply breathtaking, with glistening glow worms and some of the finest rock formations in the world passing you by as you drift along. Rappel down waterfalls and crawl through narrow tunnels on this adrenaline-pumping adventure that lets you see Waitomo’s underground wonders.
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
5. Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre
Photo: Dannie Jing / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This is the best place to learn more about the history, geology, and biological background behind the Waitomo caves. Here, visitors can see exhibits outlining the special ecosystem of the caves, the life cycle of glowworms, and how caves were formed. The centre also contains interactive displays as well as guided tours to ensure that you gain knowledge about the rich cultural heritage of the region. It’s a great place to visit before or after the cave adventure, as families, students, and everyone interested in the natural history of Waitomo will surely enjoy this trip.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For those who want to stay within easy reach of the Glowworm Caves, here are a few good options. Cozy, self-contained chalets at Waitomo Village Chalets close to the caves will make for an ideal retreat from the noisy world. Unique-themed accommodation at Woodlyn Park Motel includes staying in a hobbit hole or in an old plane. There are glamping and self-contained units at Te Tiro Accommodation and they’re just a short drive from the caves. Another great option is Waitomo Homestead Cabins.
Where To Eat
Photo: eat kubba / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Several great dining options can be found just outside of the cave at Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Huhu Café is very popular, offering a good variety of meals, Moroccan, healthy dishes, and some Middle Eastern to fill those who are hungry from exploring the cave. Long Black Café is suitable for in-and-out bites for coffee, sandwiches, and more. If you have a casual meal, Curlys Bar in the town of Otorohanga is just nearby; you can enjoy pub food such as burgers and fish and chips.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Nadejda Bostanova / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is during the spring or autumn months when there is not much extreme weather (September to November and March to May). These months also offer lesser crowds, thus a more peaceful experience. Summer is peak season, especially from December to February, since the glowworm caves are so famous that there will always be a lot of visitors coming in here. The quietest period is in the winter, June to August. It gets cold and access to certain tours is impossible. However, glowworms are a year-round attraction, so you can visit at your convenience.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
As if you are visiting Waitomo Glowworm Caves; take the following essentials along while visiting: Wear warm clothes; caves are very cool throughout the year, around 12°C (54°F). Good walking shoes; the cave floors are normally slippery due to water dripping. Always make a booking in advance, especially at times when it is peak in terms of booking. Glowworms are protected, so photos inside the caves are not allowed. Factor in some extra time to include other attractions in the neighbourhood, such as Ruakuri Cave or Aranui Cave.
Tips For Travelers
- Book in Advance: Due to the influx of visitors, especially during peak seasons, advanced booking for tours and accommodations will be necessary so one can fit into the required slots.
- Carry Layers: The venue may be cool inside the caves; therefore, carrying layers is a good way to move around the venue comfortably.
- Respect the Glowworms: Glowworms are sensitive creatures and should be left untouched; indeed, they are the main inhabitants that maintain the ecosystem within the caves.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of the excellent experiences with natural wonder and serenity. Whichever takes you to the mystical glowworms, you are going to find breathtaking lands and activities for a traveller in and around the area. Don’t miss this chance to be inside that uniqueness and magic. Book your trip now, and get the best of your travel journeys with TripXL in hand, bringing you excellent travel offers and services. Begin your journey today, and let TripXL take you to an unforgettable experience in Waitomo.
Cover Photo: Манько Марко / Wikimedia Commons
