New Zealand Waitomo Glowworm Caves
A Breathtaking Display in the Central North Island
“Glow little glowworm, glimmer, glimmer…”
For a breathtaking experience on your trip to New Zealand, be sure to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the central North Island.
Waitomo is a Maori word – "Wai" translates as water and "tomo" as hole or entrance, meaning "the stream which flows into the hole in the ground."
Situated just a short drive from Te Kuiti, three hours from Auckland and less than an hour south of Hamilton, the Waitomo Caves are the perfect place to see the famous glowworms up close and personal.
New Zealand’s glowworms are not really worms at all, but the larvae of an insect called the fungus gnat. They gravitate toward dark, damp places, like rain forest and caves. The “glow” created by the larvae is a tactic used for attracting insects which will be food. Learn more on the science of glowworms here.
The glowworms can be seen in many places in New Zealand, but to really and truly experience them, Waitomo is the place to be. Plus you will have the added opportunity to take in some remarkable limestone foundations. Waitomo Cave’s glowworms have become famous the world over because of the tens of thousands of the creatures, bringing to life every surface of the caves, from the walls to the ceilings and beyond.
The unmistakable luminescence of the glowworms makes the elaborate system of underground caves of Waitomo an astonishing place to visit – something like lying under the night time stars.
Note that pictures simply can not do the glowworms justice – you have to experience it first hand to get the true feeling of their beauty.
For tour information, visit the Glowworm Tours Web site.
During the tour, you’ll learn all about the history and geology of the site, while hearing the cultural legends of your surroundings. Your visit will also include a brief, yet remarkably moving, boat trip through the caves along the underground river. Thousands of tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as expert guides provide informative commentary on the caves' historical and geological significance.
If a guided tour isn’t for you, take advantage of the exciting variety of activities available at Waitomo, including abseiling, blackwater rafting and more. Outside the caves, a beautiful landscape awaits. Native forests, pristine farmland and more make the area a beautiful place for a scenic drive.
What ever your style, you’re sure to be left glowing after a trip to the Waitomo Caves.
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