Waitomo Caves

Famous for an extensive underground river system, stunning stalactite and stalagmites formations and the abundance of glow worms, the exploration of Waitomo Caves is like a trip to another world! There are three overall cave systems which make up the network, each with its own unique qualities.

Our favourite is the Glowworm Caves, encompassing two levels - the upper one being dry and decorated with stunning, delicate cave formations, and the lower one consisting of stream passages, glowworms and the Cathedral, the tallest chamber in the cave.

The caves were first explored in 1887 by the region’s local Māori chief and an English surveyor by the name of Fred Mace. Today, many of the local guides are direct descendants of that same Māori chief, and love bringing the cave to life for visitors through story-telling and explaining the history, features and legends of this world-famous attraction.