Glowworm Cave Waitomo, Waikato, New Zealand

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Introduction

For more than 100 years the Glowworm Caves of Waitomo has attracted millions of people from all over the world. A small glowing insect no bigger than an average mosquito has fascinated and intrigued people from all walks of life at these glowworm caves in New Zealand.

In an average year, thousands of people have experienced the trip of a lifetime on these New Zealand nature tours. Well laid out scenic tracks through beautiful native bush surround the caves, and offer pleasant walks of varying distances.

Take a guided tour of the limestone cave and a boat ride through the darkness of the Glowworm Grotto where numerous insects glow reflecting off the water deep under the ground is a trip not to be missed.

The Aranui Cave that is located three kilometres from the Glowworm Cave is an added bonus. The beautifully delicate formations create a place for quiet contemplation and a time to reflect on the wonders of nature.

Glowworm Caves in Waitomo

Discover the ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos that are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Experience natural history in the making when you explore these glowworm caves in New Zealand. Immediately, when you enter this mysterious underground world, you will marvel at the amazing “decorations” created by Mother Nature.

Stalactites, stalagmites and sculptures have formed as a result of water dripping from the roof of the cave or flowing over the exposed limestone walls. As the water flows down through the earth towards the cave roof and walls, it dissolves limestone in its path.

This limestone is then left as a crystalline deposit within the cave. These spectacular formations have developed over thousands of years and must be treated with respect. They are very delicate and can be severely damaged simply by the touch of a human hand.

Guided Waitomo Caves Tour

Your guided New Zealand glowworm cave tour will take you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery including the magnificent “Cathedral”. The acoustics in this particular cave are world-renowned. Acclaimed New Zealand Diva, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, has performed here and was delighted with the purity of the sound.

The climax of your guided tour is the boat trip in the Glowworm Grotto. For more than 100 years, visitors from home and abroad have journeyed into this “starry wonderland” and been fascinated and intrigued by the tiny insect that can perform such magic. The Grotto provides the perfect natural environment for the Glowworm to thrive and continue to enthrall visitors for many years to come.

Additional information:

• Bring comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket
• The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths

For further information about our glowworm caves in New Zealand, please contact us, or visit our glowworm cave in Waitomo Web site.

Glowworm Caves Location

World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located just two and a half hours drive south from Auckland. The region offers many attractions for visitors including the Aranui Caves which are just a little further up the valley, the Otorohanga Kiwi House, horse riding and golf.

For the more adventurous who may be looking for real adrenalin-pumping action, black-water rafting is an absolute must, and if that's not enough action for you, test your nerves with the local experts at their favourite sport, rock climbing and abseiling.

If it's challenge you're after, look no further than the Waitomo!

For further information about our glowworm caves in New Zealand, please contact us, or visit our glowworm cave in Waitomo Web site.