Waitomo Glowworm Caves, A celestial wonderland of glowing enchantment

39 Waitomo Caves Rd, Waitomo Caves, Otorohanga 3943

The underground cave has beautiful stalactites

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Introduction

This active limestone cave is rare and was formed 15,000 years ago. There used to be a small lake on the mountain that was frozen, but climate change caused the ice and snow to melt and flow into the limestone cracks below, gradually eroding the cave. The cave is still relatively young and has water flowing through it, gradually expanding, thus it is called an active rock cave. The river water washes away some reliable black stones below the cave, forming smooth, spherical stones. They are lovely, but it is forbidden for tourists to take them away. The cave has entrances on both the top and bottom, attracting many insects for breeding. The most special of the residents are fireflies, which spit out pearl-like sticky threads like spiders, blinking with blue fluorescence, like a starry sky hanging deep in the cave. To reach the firefly cave, you need to take a 30-minute boat ride to the opposite shore, then take a boat into the cave and walk to the bridge. Inside the cave, tourists can take a human-powered boat tour to admire the magnificent firefly cave phenomenon, like a starry sky. Along the way, you will also see waterfalls and sometimes trout below.

Address

39 Waitomo Caves Rd, Waitomo Caves, Otorohanga 3943

Opening hours

Monday to Sunday, 09:00-17:30.

Transportation

Other towns near Waitomo Caves that are accessible by car include Otorohanga (about 14 minutes away), Te Kuiti (about 17 minutes away), and Te Awamutu (about 39 minutes away). The nearest train station is in Otorohanga (about 14 minutes away). To drive from Auckland, take State Highway 1 south and then switch to State Highway 3 after passing through Hamilton. Turn onto State Highway 37 and continue until it ends at the main road. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Phone +6478788228

Website http://www.waitomocaves.com