Beneath the rolling green fields are the Waitomo Caves, whose cathedral-like caverns have long attracted sightseers. Glide through the darkness on a raft and admire the beauty and grandeur of the caves and glow-worms overhead.

The Waitomo Caves, in the Waikato region, caters for the more adventurous with activities like "tube rafting" on an underground stream, or an "abseil" (rappel) 100 metres into the Lost World or the Haggas Honking Holes (no previous experience is required).

Above ground, there are interesting walks in the unusual limestone country. Exploring the many small prosperous Waikato towns for arts and crafts can also be very rewarding.

Their first discovery was the Glowworm Grotto with its myriad of tiny bright lights dotting the cave ceiling. Their eyes adjusted to the darkness and they saw a multitude of lights reflecting off the water. They discovered the ceilings dotted with the lights of thousands of glowworms. Debris and logs littered the waterway, but by poling themselves toward the embankment they were able to leave the raft and explore the lower levels of the cave. Here they found themselves surrounded by the glorious cave decorations.

In 1989, almost 100 years later, the land and the cave was returned to the descendants of the original owners. Many staff employed at the caves today are direct descendants of Chief Tane Tinorau and his wife Huti.

Waitomo's Record Breaking

• The acoustics in the Cathedral Cavern are world-renowned. Acclaimed New Zealand Diva, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, has sung here and was delighted with the purity of the sound.
• The highlight of cave tours is an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto.
• The Waitomo glowworm, Arachnocampa Luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as our expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance.
• The Tomo is one of the wonders of the Waitomo Cave; a 16 metre vertical limestone shaft which marks the course of an ancient waterfall which today only flows during heavy rains.
• Many famous people have come from this region including Jim Bolger & Helen Clark — former Prime Ministers of New Zealand, Don Clarke — Rugby international, The Datsuns — rock band, Tim and Neil Finn — songwriters and musicians (Split Enz, Crowded House), Rangimarie Hetet — who died aged 103 years; regarded as living treasure of Māori, Dame Malvina Major — acclaimed international singer, Bruce McLaren — motor racing driver and team founder, Colin Meads — rugby international, Richard O'Brien — writer of the international cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Eva Rickard — of Tainui descent; leader and defender of Māori land rights, Frank Sargeson — celebrated NZ writer, Peter Snell, gold medal winning distance runner at the 1964 Olympics, Dame Catherine Tizard (nee Mclean) — Former Mayor of Auckland and first woman Governor-General of New Zealand, Mark Todd — Olympic equestrian, "Horseman of the Century", Te Atairangikaahu — Māori Queen 1966-2006, Te Puea Herangi — Māori princess and leader, Te Rauparaha — Māori chieftain and warrior, Tuheitia Paki — Māori King 2006-present, Wiremu Tamihana Te Piripi Te Waharoa — Māori King King maker.

Best Views

Surprisingly the best view is underground; the Spiral Ramp which is the entrance into Ruakuri Caves is stunning.

Local Knowledge

The people of the Waikato region call themselves by the nickname "Mooloo", particularly in relation to sporting endeavours. The word was likely first applied to the Waikato provincial rugby team. Its origin is related to the mascot of a pantomime-like milking cow used in parades, public events and sports matches — particularly rugby, reflecting the importance of the dairy industry to the region..

Regional Attractions Accessible From Waitomo

• 
  Raglan Beach, New Zealand's legendary surf spot
• Hamilton - main centre for the rich Waikato pastoral region and location of Waikato University
• Cambridge - an attractive leafy rural town and centre of bloodstock industry
• Te Awamutu - known for its rose gardens and arts and crafts
• Matamata - thoroughbred horse racing centre of New Zealand
• Te Aroha - relaxing hot mineral pools

Clothing

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

Activities

Day Tours in Waitomo

Waitomo's activities centre around the caving. It can offer the visitor some great holiday experiences as outlined below:

	Glowworm Grotto, Waitomo Caves Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glowworm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way. Book with us.
	Black-water rafting, Waitomo Caves "Black Water Rafting" or travelling down dark underground rivers on the blow up tubes, lighting the way with a helmet torch; started here in Waitomo in 1980's. Now people come from all over the world specifically to these caves to be part of this adventure travel.
	The Lost World, Waitomo Caves This is a stunning, serene and scenic "Lost World" in the caves under the ground. You'll be wearing a helmet, have lights, special vertical gear, overalls and PVC boots; then rope up as we ABSEIL (or rappel) S L O W L Y down 100 metres, taking approximately 30 minutes to descend. .
	Waitomo Golf & Country Club A quiet and undulating valley course, abounding in native trees and bird life, lakes, streams and bush clad backdrops. The course is touted as one of the more challenging and picturesque in the North Island. Also try the Piopio Aria 18 hole course. Set in attractive farmland, the sheep might graze the fairways, but the greens are well kept.
	Bird Sanctuaries The Otorohanga Kiwi House operates an active breeding programme dedicated to the conservation of our iconic native bird. Enjoy Kiwi viewing in the nocturnal house, a walk though the landscaped park, an aviary stocked with native birds and native reptile displays. Also visit Pureora Forest Park and the Mapara Reserve.

Things to do in Waitomo

This list will assist you in accessing attractions and activities that Waitomo has to offer.

	Firth Tower Historical Museum Firth Tower Historical Museum in the Waitomo village, is an authentically furnished farm homestead and worker's cottage circa 1900.
	Waitomo Walkway The Waitomo Walkway is a loop track taking approximately three hours to complete. The track can be divided into three shorter walks, each different in character. The last section of the walk is extremely spectacular and features the Ruakuri Natural Bridge and magnificent glow worm displays, which are noticeable by night. Another is the Opapaka Pa Walk with the remains of a Maori Pa (fort) site and ancient Papakainga (village) and food gardens.
	Woodlyn Park A 'real Kiwi farm atmosphere situated 700 metres from Waitomo village. The Kiwi Culture Show gives an insight into agriculture in New Zealand showing tools used in the farming trade during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Enjoy audience participation and meet a variety of talented farm animals including pigs, cows, sheep, dogs, roosters and the famous New Zealand Kiwi bear.
	Marokopa Falls and the Piripiri Cave Between Waitomo and the West Coast on State Highway 37 check out the Marokopa Falls, the Mangapohue Natural Bridge (the stunning remnants of a collapsed cave) and the Piripiri Cave. Find fossilised shellfish at Kiritehere Beach, wander along the magnificent expanse of black sand on Ocean Beach at Kawhia and drive back over the hills through rolling farmland to Otorohanga.

Activities Outside Waitomo

These activities are available around Waitomo.

	Ruakuri Caves This tour of Ruakuri Caves is New Zealand's longest guided underground walking tour offering glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites. When the Maori discovered these caves 500 years ago they called it Ruakuri or "den of dogs", after the dogs guarding the cave entrance. Book with us.
	Black Abyss The ultimate adrenaline rush and caving tour of choice for natural born adventurers everywhere. Descend spider-like into the black depths of Ruakuri Cave and enjoy the best caving adventure tour on a five hour expedition that combines abseiling the breathtaking tomo, climbing, tight rock squeezes and cave tubing down the river into one unforgettable journey. At every stage you're accompanied and supported by experienced caving guides who know and love this totally unique and mind-blowing environment.
	TumuTumu Cave Combine Blackwater Rafting, Walking, Climbing, Swimming AND "Tubing" in this underground wonderland. Wear a helmet, have lights, a wet suit and PVC boots; then clamber through amazing rock formations, splash through puddles until we reach the underground stream. Take a BIG splash and get completely wet - well on the outside at least.

Diary of Events

Te Kuiti (15 mins from Waitomo Caves) claims to be the world's, shearing capital. It hosts the Annual NZ Shearing Championships and The Great NZ Muster featuring the 'Running of the Sheep' where up to 2000 sheep run the length of Te Kuiti's main street. It's the largest Sheep Run in the world! In a quirky Kiwi version of the Pamplona Bull Run, Te Kuiti is held in April.

February is Kawhia's biggest event - the annual celebration of traditional Maori kai (food) from the sea and the land. As well as a delicious array of modern and traditional "kai", the festival features cultural performances and displays of Maori art & craft, including flax weaving, tattooing, cloak making and wood carving.

Coach Tours Which Include Waitomo

The following fully escorted coach tours are our top 3 which include Waitomo.

Best of New Zealand Fully escorted coach touring to see New Zealand's many seasons from cruising the rugged rocky coastline, Bay of Islands beaches, Maori native culture, glow-worm caves, Rotorua's geysers & hot mud pools, NZ's capital city, Interislander Cruise, fur seals & optional whale watching flight, touring past NZ's highest mountain, alpine scenic lakes, ski capital Queenstown, a tour of an historic castle, cruising on Fiordland past waterfalls & rock seals in Milford Sound, staying near icy glaciers and garden city Christchurch- all in 17 days.

New Zealand Splendour 14 days from North to South New Zealand on this organised coach tour will take in special sightseeing like glow-worm caves, Rotorua's geysers & hot mud, NZ's capital, Island Channel crossing, fur seals and whales (with an optional whale watch flight), alpine scenery past NZ's highest mountain, English like Christchurch, tour of an historic castle, fantastic Fiordland coastal formations from a Milford Sound cruise, tour of ski capital Queenstown, a gold mining town, and dramatic glaciers that nearly touch the sea.

Northern Experience Tour the North Island in just over a week with time for plenty of traditional Maori shows, beautiful beaches in the Bay of Islands, active thermal areas of Rotorua and the caves of Waitomo. Start in the capital city Wellington and finish in Auckland. On the way let your specialised coach guide show you the thunderous Huka Falls, drive along the shores of Lake Taupo, walk amongst enormous Kauri trees, visit Tongariro National Park & the Kapiti Coast. Choose a drive along 90 mile beach to Cape Reinga or take a dolphin swimming cruise. Experience the famous underground boat trip to see the glow-worms.

Eating & Sleeping

Regional Specialties & Cuisine

Derived from the Maori words ‘wai’, meaning water, and ‘tomo’, meaning hole, the Waikato town of Waitomo is a popular tourist destination due to its magical glow worm caves.

The small townships of Awakino and Mokau, near Waitomo are rich in culture, renowned for bountiful whitebait. Whitebaiting is a major activity between the months of August and November each year and the locals love to cook these into tasty fritters for all to enjoy.

Films Made in this Region

In Waitomo - Without a Paddle 2004, and Sons for the Return Home 1979. In Tongariro - Willow 1988, Wild Horses 1984, Strata 1983 and Utu 1983. In Mt Ruapehu - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 2003, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 2002, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 2001, and The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey 1988.