Nestled amidst the lush, rolling hills of New Zealand’s North Island lies a natural wonder that seems plucked from the pages of a fantasy novel: the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This ethereal underground labyrinth, illuminated by the soft, radiant glow of thousands of bioluminescent glowworms, beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike to embark on a mesmerizing subterranean journey.
Join us as we delve into the mystical depths of Waitomo, uncovering the secrets of these enchanting caves and discovering the magic that lies beneath the surface of this captivating New Zealand destination.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves New Zealand
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Experiencing the Waitomo Glowworm Cave
The idea of seeing a gazillion glow worms light up our path as we rowed through a cavern was a kid bucket list item for us and the Waitomo Glowworm Cave was the place to go when visiting New Zealand to cross it off our list.
We booked our tickets via the Discover Waitomo site before we left Australia as I was worried that we would miss out as we were travelling over Easter. We drove down from Auckland so decided that on this visit we would just do the one cave.
We had previously seen glowworms on the Coromandel Peninsula and have explored numerous caves, such as Wellington Cave in NSW, so we decided to explore the Waitomo Glowworm Cave because of the boat!
I must admit that I was a l little worried about footwear. The caves can become a little wet and muddy and we were travelling with a single set of footwear and a pair of thongs. Fortunately, there wasn’t any rain during our trip so wasn’t an issue. The caves are a lot cooler too, so bring a jacket – even in summer!
Hopping on what is pretty much a dinghy with kids can be a little daunting, however, trust the guides. The boat ride is actually quite tranquil and serene as you glide along the river while gazing at the glowworms illuminating the cave ceiling.
Be prepared that it can be quite dark, which might unsettle some kids, especially if they are very young or find darkness a little scary. I found that reminding them to focus on the twinkling glowworms was helpful.
The Caves
There are three different caves to explore at Waitomo: Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave. Each provides a different experience.
Waitomo Glowworm Cave
The Waitomo Glowworm Cave has been welcoming visitors for more than 125 years and has become an iconic New Zealand attraction. This subterranean wonderland promises a spellbinding adventure for families looking for a little excitement that is also completely safe.
As you venture into the ancient chambers, you’ll find yourself awe-inspired by the Cathedral, the tallest and most majestic chamber within the cave. Its soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate rock formations create a breathtaking sight that the whole family will treasure.
The real magic, however, awaits as you head off on a boat ride through the glow worm grotto. This was the highlight of our trip to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves!
As you glide along the underground river, a profound hush envelops you – the glow worms prefer tranquillity, and their luminescent spectacle is best observed in silence. It’s best to prepare the kids in advance otherwise you’ll find them giggling a whole lot to the shooshing of others much like Sunshine experienced!
Overhead, thousands of glowworms radiate their light, transforming the cave into a starlit cosmos. It’s a scene straight out of a fairy tale and an experience that will leave your family spellbound.
For visiting families, the Glowworm Caves offer not only an educational journey into the depths of the Earth but also a chance to marvel at the wonders of nature together.
Ruakuri Cave
Ruakuri Cave, the grandest of the caverns in the Waitomo region, has a history that spans back 500 odd years. Visitors are wooed from the very start, trekking down an incredible spiral drum entrance into the depths of the cave, designed to be totally accessible. Once inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a sprawling network of unusual limestone formations and caverns as well as glistening crystal tapestries.
And that’s not all – the cave also provides an intimate encounter with enchanting glow worms. Get up close and personal with these luminescent creatures as they illuminate the cave with their soft, radiant light. It’s a truly immersive experience that allows you to witness the fascinating underground ecosystem in all its glory.
Ruakuri Cave proudly holds the distinction of being the sole wheelchair-accessible cave in the southern hemisphere, ensuring that everyone in the family, or “whanau,” can access and experience the caves.
Aranui Cave
While Aranui may not host glow worms, its unique charm lies in the absence of water, allowing for the emergence of breathtaking pale brown, pink, and white stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the Waitomo region.
Aranui Cave is the smallest of the three caves and was very similar to other caves we have explored back in Australia. We chose to skip this in lieu of the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.
The History of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The history of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is deeply intertwined with both Maori heritage and the legacy of Chief Tane Tinorau and his descendants. The caves were shaped over millions of years through geological processes. However, it was the Maori people who first explored and named this captivating underground world. They aptly called the region Waitomo, signifying “water entering a hole” in Maori, as it aptly described the numerous underground rivers and cave systems.
For generations, the Maori have regarded Waitomo as a sacred place inhabited by ancestral spirits and guardian creatures known as taniwha. The tranquil beauty and the mesmerizing glow emitted by the glowworms are seen as a connection between the Maori people, their ancestors, and the natural world, fostering a profound spiritual bond.
Waitomo Glowworm Cave History
In 1887, Chief Tane Tinorau, accompanied by English surveyor Fred Mace, explored the caves. Local Maori were aware of the caves but hadn’t explored them extensively until Tane’s investigation with Mace. Using a flax stem raft and candles, they ventured in, discovering the Glowworm Grotto with its myriad of tiny lights on the cave ceiling. Adjusting to the dark, they found thousands of glowworms’ lights on the ceilings. Navigating past debris, they explored the lower cave levels, surrounded by magnificent cave decorations.
By 1889 Tane Tinorau had opened the cave to tourists. Tane Tinorau, possessing intimate knowledge of the caves, guided visitors through this subterranean realm, sharing the captivating stories and legends associated with the site.
Today, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves not only stand as a testament to geological wonder and Maori heritage but also as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Chief Tane Tinorau and his descendants. Many staff employed at the caves today are direct descendants of Chief Tane Tinorau and his wife Huti.
Aranui Cave History
In November 1910, a young Maori named Ruruku Aranui was pursuing wild pigs that had strayed into a local reserve. During the chase, his dog followed a pig down a steep hill, vanishing suddenly into thin air.
Guided by the persistent barking, Ruruku discovered a small hole in the hillside. He ventured inside, struck a match, and found himself in a high chamber that stretched into darkness. Intrigued by this mysterious find, Ruruku Aranui journeyed to Waitomo and informed the caves’ manager.
This newfound cave discovery stirred excitement throughout New Zealand. Unlike the challenging development process of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, this cave was more accessible and ready for tours in just over a year.
In February 1911, the Minister of Tourism officially inaugurated it. Originally intended to be named Ngutuhihi, after the stitch-bird’s beak, the Minister opted for “Aranui Cave” due to pronunciation difficulties.
Ruakuri Cave History
According to Maori lore, 400-500 years ago, a young Maori bird hunter encountered Ruakuri Cave while being pursued by wild dogs near its original entrance. The cave entrance continues to hold immense cultural significance for the Maori, serving as a sacred burial ground (“wahi tapu“).
Ruakuri Cave was introduced to tourists in 1904 by James Holden, an ancestor of the family that still owns land above the cave today. Its breathtaking beauty earned it a reputation as an almost spiritual experience.
Ownership changes, government control, and disputes led to closure in 1988, only to reopen in July 2005. Tourism Holdings Limited spearheaded extensive redevelopment, creating walkways, bridges, and the new spiral entrance. This marked the culmination of 18 months of underground construction, revitalising Ruakuri Cave as a captivating subterranean wonder for all to explore.
To preserve the sanctity of the original entrance, a spiral entrance for tourists was constructed at a respectful distance from the original site.
What are Glowworms?
The Glowworms found at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave are a species of bioluminescent insects native to New Zealand. These unique creatures, scientifically known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are not actually worms but rather the larval stage of a small fly.
The Glowworms emit a soft, blue-green light to attract prey into their silk threads, which they use to catch and consume insects.
The ceiling of the Waitomo Glowworm Cave appears as if it’s lit with a blanket of stars due to the thousands of glowworms illuminating their silk threads, creating a spectacle for visitors as they navigate the dark underground passages by boat.
Where in New Zealand are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are easily accessible from several key destinations, making it a must-visit attraction for travellers exploring the North Island.
The Caves can be found nestled in the Northern King Country region of New Zealand’s North Island, approximately 12 kilometres northwest of the charming town of Te Kuiti.
For those embarking on an adventure from Auckland, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are just a scenic 2-hour drive to the south, while those travelling from Hamilton can reach them within an hour.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are conveniently located 2 hours to the west of the geothermal wonders of Rotorua by car.
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