What is the best glowworm cave in New Zealand?

Watching glowworms at night is a sight to behold. Witness their soft blue-green light. They illuminate the darkest cave. It’s as though you are seeing stars in the night sky. But by some miracle they are within arm’s reach. Let’s dive into a glowworm cave!

The Waitomo Glowworm caves are widely considered the best glowworm caves in New Zealand. Early English surveyors were amazed by the twinkling luminescent light coming from the ceiling of the cave. Visitors take a boat ride to the Glowworm Grotto and witness a celestial canopy. Waitomo’s caves are the best due to its stunning natural beauty and abundance of glowworms. 

The Waitomo caves have been receiving visitors for over one hundred years. Local Maori guides took tourists into the cave as early as 1904. Maori chief Tane Tinorau first discovered the caves sometime in the 1800s. The cave began forming around 30 million years ago.

Waitomo Glowworm Grotto

Witnessing Waitomo’s glowworms are certainly in the ‘chance of a lifetime’ bracket. The glowworms are not just having fun when the light up. Their bioluminescent light attracts small prey like midges. The unfortunate prey get stuck to sticky thread spun by the glowworms.

Join a small group tour. You’ll be the only ones in the cave. Watch in amazement as your eyes adjust to the dark. Glowworms will magically light up the whole cave. The ‘best’ is subjective, but there are a number of reasons why Waitomo is considered the best.

• Abundance of glowworms – a large population of glowworms have made Waitomo their home. Together, they form a great team with their incredible bioluminescent display. 

• Stunning Natural Formations – These glowworms don’t just live anywhere. Waitomo is the Four Seasons of caves. Check out limestone formations, caverns and underground rivers. It is an environment that lulls you to a peaceful state. 

• Variety of Experiences – the boat tour through the glowworm caves is one thing. You can also go on walking tours, and more adventurous activities. Do you feel like blackwater rafting or going on a caving expedition? The fearless among you can abseil to the caves river passages.

• Cultural Significance – the whole region is of cultural significance to the Māori people. The caves are seen as a dwelling place for their ancestors. Also, the glowworms are considered a treasure by the Māori people. They are thought to be the offspring of the goddess Hine-nui-te-pō. Respect the glowworms because they are considered sacred.

Do you get wet at Waitomo caves?

You may get wet in Waitomo caves. The caves have an underground river so it is definitely a possibility. You will enter a wet and slippy land. But basically, it’s down to the tour or activity you choose to participate in. 

Never let the wet put you off! Find strategies to enhance your camping experience even in rainy conditions.

• Boat Tours – The glowworm cave tour is a boat ride along an underground river. Usually you don’t get wet because you are seated in a boat that floats calmly down the darkened river. There is a slight possibility you’ll experience a drop or two of water from dripping formations or condensation. It is pretty much a dry experience. This isn’t Disney’s Splash Mountain. 

• Adventure Tours – The more adventurous activities include black water rafting or tubing. Of course you’ll get wet, but that’s part of the fun. Tourists will have to wade or float through underground rivers. All equipment is provided, including a good wetsuit. You’ll have the necessary gear to protect against the water. 

• Walking Tours – When walking along pathways or tunnels you’ll avoid direct contact with water. Again, you might fall fowl of dripping water from cave formations. The only other thing to watch out for are the occasional slippery or damp surfaces. 

Can you camp there too?

Yes, of course! You could camp a short walk away from the glowworms. There are many options available, but a few things to consider. Here are a few options available to you.

• Waitomo Top 10 Holiday park – An award winning holiday park close to New Zealand’s most awe inspiring attractions. A range of accommodation options are available for you to choose. They have powered sites if you’ve rented a caravan and non-powered sites to pitch up your tent. If you want a break from camping you may be interested in a motel unit or cabin. 

• Additional Campsites – There are other campsites in the surrounding area, but they tend to be a bit further away. Check out DOC Campsites: (The Department of Conservation campsites has a choice of over two hundred. You’ll find forest settings, sandy beaches and tents by the lakeshores. Check availability early, especially peak seasons. 

• Freedom Camping – Freedom camping is allowed in the Waitomo district. In fact, it is permitted in any local authority as long as it’s not prohibited. The Waitomo District Council lays it all out in a free brochure – have a look. 

Things to think about 

If you are planning to visit Waitomo Caves, there are some important factors to think about:

• Book in Advance – The Waitomo caves are extremely popular with tourists from all over the world. Due to their popularity, the caves are quite busy during the peak seasons of summer and the holiday periods. You can book your activities and tours in advance. Secure your spot before you fly out and avoid any disappointment.

• Tour options – A relaxing cruise on the boat to see the glowworms will be suitable for most people. But think about your physical ability. Are you ready for the Waitomo Caves Black Abyss Caving Experience? You’ll abseil thirty five meters into the darkness. And later zipline past curious glowworms. The whole tour will take you five hours, so make sure you are up to it. 

• Clothing and Footwear – find something comfortable to wear and bring suitable footwear. You may have to navigate uneven terrain or climb stairs. Cave temperatures are a little cooler than outside, so a light jacket might be needed.

• Photography – There are different photography policies for each tour. Camera and video equipment is not allowed in the caves. The glowworms are notoriously camera shy.

• Safety – Respect the tour guides instructions. Follow their direction to keep yourself and everyone else safe. Pay close attention to any warnings regarding potential hazards inside the caves.

extra considerations

• Accessibility – Inquire in advance if you have any questions about accessibility. Tour operators should be able to answer any mobility concerns you may have. 

• Environmental Considerations – Please respect the natural environment of the caves. Avoid touching any cave formations. Always dispose of your waste responsibly. Follow Leave No Trace principles and try to leave the place cleaner than when you found it.

• Timing – Allow enough time to travel to and from Waitomo Caves if you aren’t camping nearby. Think about other attractions in the area and you’ll make the most of your trip. 

• Local information – Become familiar with local amenities. I’m always on the lookout for the restroom. Look out for food options. There is plenty of accommodation, just decide what suits you the most. 

• Weather – It might be a good idea to check the weather before you book. The good weather is usually in January, February, March and December. You’ll experience pleasant temperatures ranging from 20 to 26 celsius. Waitomo Caves usually see the most rainfall in July, August and September. 

By planning ahead and considering these factors, you can make the most of your time at Waitomo Caves. It’ll be a safe and memorable experience.

Is Waitomo Caves worth it?

Absolutely! An abundance of experiences await you at Waitomo Caves. To take the glowworm guided boat tour, the cost is close to fifty US dollars per person so it isn’t the cheapest. But if you can afford to travel to New Zealand, you can’t afford to miss this opportunity. 

Don’t miss out on all that natural beauty. The Intricate limestone formations are dazzling. And how many people can say they have experienced an underground river. You’ll be awe-struck!

It’s worth it just for the stars of the show – the glowworms! They illuminate the darkness like stars in the sky. It’s magical and delightful.

The more adventurous will love the black water rafting and the abseiling into the cave. The adventurous stuff will set you back more money, but you do get to spend a long time trawling the caves. 

Feast on the scenic surroundings – Waitomo is located in the beautiful countryside. Witness lush green hills and picturesque landscapes. The journey to the caves is almost as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Witness the Magic for Yourself

Plan your trip to Waitomo Caves and experience the mesmerizing spectacle of the glowworms firsthand. Be sure to research tour options and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.