New Zealand’s North Island boasts a hidden gem – the labyrinthine cave systems of Waitomo. This subterranean wonderland, adorned with twinkling glowworms and steeped in Maori history, beckons adventurous spirits. To truly delve into this natural marvel, look no further than Waitomo Adventures – your gateway to unforgettable experiences beneath the surface.
A World of Caving Adventures
While the enchanting glowworm caves are undoubtedly a highlight, Waitomo Adventures offers a diverse range of cave exploration to cater to all levels of thrill-seekers. Here’s a taste of what awaits:
Black Water Rafting: Embark on an exhilarating adventure unlike any other. Float down underground rivers on a rubber tube, navigate thrilling rapids, and marvel at the bioluminescent glow worms illuminating your path. This is an experience you won’t soon forget!
Abseiling and Caving: Gear up for an adrenaline rush! With Waitomo Adventures’ expert guides, rappel down into hidden caves, explore majestic caverns, and discover the secrets buried deep beneath the earth’s surface.
Safety First, Fun Always
Waitomo Adventures prioritises safety above all else. Their experienced and qualified guides are passionate about caving and committed to ensuring you have a safe and unforgettable experience. They provide all the necessary equipment and thorough safety briefings before each adventure. Here are some tips for planning your unforgettable caving experience:
Choose Your Adventure: From thrilling black water rafting to a relaxed glowworm cave tour, select an experience that matches your desired level of adventure.
Book in Advance: Waitomo Adventures’ tours are popular, so book yours well in advance, especially during peak season.
Respecting the Delicate Ecosystem
Waitomo’s cave systems are a delicate ecosystem. Waitomo Adventures operates with a strong focus on sustainable practices. Their tours are designed to minimise impact on the caves and their unique inhabitants, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
Things to do in Waitomo
Waitomo Adventures understands that your New Zealand adventure extends beyond the caves. They offer additional experiences to further enrich your Waitomo experience:
Explore the majesty of Ruakuri Cave: Go on a guided tour through Ruakuri Cave, adorned with stunning limestone formations and boasting geological wonders like the “Ruakuri Cathedral.”
Go spelunking in black water caves: Experience the thrill of black water rafting or black water tubing. These adventurous activities take you deep into the underground network of caves on a float through rushing rapids and tranquil passages.
See the glowworms on a Ruakuri Cave tour: While glowworms can be found in several caves around Waitomo, the Ruakuri Cave tour offers a unique perspective. You’ll float on a raft through the glowworm grotto and marvel at the starry night sky above.
Visit the Mangapohue Natural Bridge: Take a short walk to the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, a limestone archway formed by millions of years of erosion. The bridge spans the Mangapohue Stream and offers scenic views of the surrounding native forest.
Chase waterfalls at Marokopa Falls: Take a short drive or bike ride to Marokopa Falls, a 35-metre high waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest. You can swim in the refreshing pool at the base of the falls or enjoy a scenic picnic nearby.
Learn about nocturnal wildlife on the Ruakuri Bush Walk: Embark on a nighttime adventure on the Ruakuri Bush Walk. This short loop track takes you through native forest where you can spot glow worms and other nocturnal creatures.
Discover the history of the Kiwi at The Kiwi House: Learn about the flightless Kiwi bird at The Kiwi House in Otorohanga. This wildlife sanctuary offers visitors the chance to see kiwi up close and learn about conservation efforts.
Sample craft beers at King Country Brewery: Enjoy a cold beer at King Country Brewery, a small-batch brewery located in Waitomo. They offer tours and tastings of their award-winning beers.