Waitomo Caves

Waitomo Caves is a must-visit destination in New Zealand, located in the Northern King Country region of the North Island, 12 km northwest of Te Kuiti.

The caves are known for their population of Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm species found exclusively in New Zealand. The name "Waitomo" comes from the Maori words wai, water and tomo, hole or shaft. The local Maori people had known about the caves for about a century before a local Maori, Tane Tinorau, and English surveyors, Laurence Cussen and Fred Mace, were shown the entrance in 1884 and Tane and Fred did extensive explorations in 1887 and 1888.

The Waitomo Caves attraction is a cave at Waitomo on the North Island of New Zealand and is part of the Waitomo streamway system that includes the Ruakuri Cave, Lucky Strike, and Tumutumu Cave. The attraction has a modern visitor center at the entrance, largely designed in wood. There are organized tours that include a boat ride under the glowworms. The easiest way to see the Waitomo Caves is with a walking or boat tour. If you're into adventure, try the unique experience of Black Water Rafting - you'll float through the caves on an inner tube.

The Waitomo Caves are a magical underground experience that should not be missed. Tubing through a cave lit with glowworms is an unforgettable experience. The caves are unlike any other place on Earth and are located about 137 miles south of Auckland, New Zealand. The Waitomo Caves are a popular tourist destination, and it is recommended to book tickets in advance. There are different types of tours available to explore the Waitomo Caves. The Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour is a 45-minute guided tour that takes you through the cave system, including a boat ride under the glowworms. The Ruakuri Cave tour is a 2-hour guided tour that includes a boat ride and a walk through the cave system. The Legendary Black Water Rafting tour is a 3-hour adventure that includes tubing through the caves on an inner tube.

In conclusion, Waitomo Caves is a unique and magical destination that should not be missed when visiting New Zealand. The caves are home to a unique species of glowworms and offer a variety of tours to explore the cave system. It is recommended to book tickets in advance and to choose a tour that suits your interests and level of adventure.