Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
So we drove for another hour or so from Lake Rotorua to get to Waitomo and the famous glow worm caves. This is a major tourist attraction, biggest we’ve seen on this trip. Described as a “must see” on most travel sites, the caves have been a popular part of this area for more than 120 years. For a mere $50 we get to walk through a cave with some pretty cool formations, then get into a boat and drift under thousands of glow worms (Arachnocampa luminosa for your scientific folks).
We were met by our guide who took our group of 15 or so into the cave. He explained how the ownership of this cave has bounced between private citizens, government and the Maori people for better than 150 years. Currently owned by the Maori and managed by an entertainment company, the cave tours provide a good source of revenue. At $50 / per for the entry level experience, I’d agree!
Glow worm cave entrance
We walked a bit through the cave as the guide pointed out various formations. Some looked like animals or figures and some just looked like stalactites and stalagmites. But the boat ride, that was special.
Collette has a thing for picking out boat rides that are part of an amazing experience. She did it in Edinburgh, Scotland with the Dungeon tour, and now with the glow worm caves. Can’t wait.
Finally, the part we’ve been waiting for, the boat ride. Carefully climbed in, found a somewhat dry place to sit and off we went with our guide pulling us along a rope. Thousands of tiny green dots lit up the ceiling of the cave. You could almost make out constellations, I’m sure I saw Orion’s belt several times. In what seemed like an eternity but was really only 5 minutes, we reached the other end of the cave and back into daylight. Another bucket list item bites the dust! Sorry, no pictures were allowed inside the cave.
Glow worm cave exit
Nearing the end of our adventure in New Zealand. We’ve one more town to visit, Napier with their art deco styled buildings and houses. Only about 3 hours from Tauranga so an easy drive.