Journey underground on a subterranean adventure through limestone chambers and passages. Be suspended in awe and silence, surrounded by cave decorations and a galaxy of tiny living lights. As you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms, it is only the gentle sound of dripping water that reminds you that you are deep underground and not beneath a star filled sky.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves: At the Waitomo Caves in the North Island, the highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto. As your eyes adjust to the dark, the walls and roof sparkle with the lights of glowworm larvae. Glide silently through the starry wonderland of the glowworm grotto, your way lit by a myriad of tiny glowworm lights glittering, and reflecting off the water. Your experienced tour guide will deliver a highly informative commentary about the formations and the history of the area. The cave is easily accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths.
Kawiti Glowworms Caves: You will have heard of the Waitomo glowworm Caves pictured above and granted they are spectacular, but if you’re after a less touristy, more authentic experience, or your planned route doesn’t take you near Waitomo the Kawiti Caves are an excellent option. Located only 20 mins from Paihia in the Waiomio Valley, near the Bay of Islands the Kawiti cave formations and glowworms are a spectacular sight. The 30 minute guided tour will follows a wooden boardwalk through a 200 metre limestone cave system. Once inside, you’ll see thousands of glow worms spread across the ceiling surrounded by breath taking stalactites and stalagmites. The caves are open everyday expect christmas day from 9am – 4pm.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves:
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels.
At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, our friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.
This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards, the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by hundreds of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
This is a fascinating experience that we can include in your Luxury Adventures travel itinerary!
