Waitomo Glowworm Grotto

OVERVIEW

Experience a New Zealand natural attraction that has thrilled visitors from around the world since Victorian times. This full-day excursion by comfortable coach travels into the heartland of the North Island, crossing the Bombay Hills and through lush Waikato Valley dairy terrain to reach the Waitomo Caves in about three hours. Once there, you’ll step into a subterranean world of 30-million-year-old limestone formations like the famous Organ and lofty Cathedral chamber. Stalagmites and stalactites form pillars and crooked fingers of calcite stone that, in the low light, take on both beautiful and monstrous proportions. The highlight of this visit, though, is reached by open boat, gliding along an underground river in pitch darkness as you enter the realm of the glow worm. High above you on the ceiling are astounding galaxies and constellations of blue-green light created by millions of bio-luminescent glow worm larvae who dwell in this odd environment. Total silence is a must since this wondrous light show will switch off instantly if the worms are disturbed. Following this illuminating experience, you’ll travel to nearby Crosshills Farm for a light buffet lunch ahead of the return drive to Auckland.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for a scenic 3-hour drive to a natural attraction that’s been amazing visitors since the 1880s.
• Walk through Waitomo Caves and a fascinating world of pillars, chambers and formations carved out of limestone over thousands of years.
• Glide by boat along an underground river in total darkness to reach the highlight of the visit – the brilliant glowworm grotto.
• Gaze up in wonder at a ceiling lit into shimmering galaxies by millions of bio-luminescent glow worms.
• Enjoy a light and tasty buffet lunch at Crosshills Farm.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a wind/waterproof jacket.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen – but you won’t need them in the caves.