Best things to do in Waitomo Caves

Home to a species of glowworms found exclusively in New Zealand, Waitomo Glowworm Caves serve as one of the country's most popular natural landmarks. A magnet for both local and foreign visitors, this attraction offers guided tours through three underground levels linked by long vertical shafts made of limestone. Start at the visitor center, where you can learn about the history of this cave system. Guided tours depart from behind the center and take participants past huge stalactites and stalagmites. As you enter a giant cavern known as "the cathedral" and your eyes gradually adjust to the dim light, prepare to see thousands of tiny glowworms sparkling all around you.

Explore the region's caves by taking a guided tour of Caveworld, featuring glow worm displays and gothic rock formations. Adventurous travelers can don a wet suit, grab an inner tube, and take a black-water rafting tour, which includes jumping off an underwater waterfall and zooming down a waterslide. Back at the bush hut, cap off the tour with a complimentary hot drink.

Explore the verdant forest and limestone walls of Ruakuri Walk, a place of strong spiritual and cultural significance to the Maori. Follow the Ruakuri walk, a looping trail that leads you through rocky outcroppings and flourishing forest. The highlight is the vast Ruakuri natural tunnel, into which the Waitomo stream flows--look up at the dangling stalactites hanging from the high ceiling, and down at the stalagmites reaching up from below. At night, see the cave walls lit up by thousands of glowworms, but keep a respectful distance as touching them will kill them. For more in-depth appreciation of the surroundings, opt for a guided tour, which takes you through Aranui and Ruakuri caves. The local ecosystem supports native birds such as kereru, tui, piwakawaka, and tauhou; kareareas (New Zealand falcons) are often seen and heard from the parking lot. While the walk is relatively easy, do bring a flashlight or headlamp to help you navigate steps inside the caves.

Located in a natural forest reserve, Aranui Cave is filled with marvels and ancient formations. The dry cave represents the smallest of Waitomo's three caves, yet some visitors cite it as the most memorable. Just inside the entrance look for a large colony of cave wetas, a passive insect with long antennas. A short walk in rewards visitors with sights of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and high chambers. Experienced tour guides lead visitors safely through the cave while offering plenty of information on the attraction.

Embark on an underground adventure at Ruakuri Cave, the only cave in the Southern Hemisphere that has a wheelchair and pushchair access. Listen to the distant roar of subterranean streams and waterfalls as you descend the cleverly designed spiral entrance. Admire the spectacular limestone formations and take pictures of the glowworms. Discovered by local Maori people nearly 500 years ago, the cave served as a sacred burial site before opening to public in 1904.

Walk along the nature trail leading to one of the region's most magnificent outdoor attractions, Marakopa Falls. The easy walkway lies between Waitomo Village and Marokopa and usually takes less than an hour to complete. Hike through the native tawa and nikau forest to the trail's main viewpoint. From here, you can take in the picturesque scenery, including the Marokopa River and falls plunging 35 m (114.8 ft). This area also offers great opportunities for fishing.

Stand in awe at the geological history of Waikato at Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk, a 17 m (56 ft) limestone arch that crosses Mangapohue Stream. The last remnant of an ancient cave system, the bridge makes up part of a mighty gorge and is decorated with impressive stalactite rock formations. Easily accessible even for those with infants in strollers, a well-maintained trail leads you to the mouth of the bridge and continues along the gorge and out into pristine farmland.