Take time to fall for Waitomo delights Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Alexia Santamaria finds Waitomo’s shine goes far beyond the village’s famous and wondrous glow-worms, with plenty to enjoy on a weekend escape.
Many New Zealanders will have been to Waitomo at some point to see the glowworms. Maybe it was a school trip, or when Aunty Mabel and Uncle Harry came over from the United Kingdom, or on a family holiday.
It’s one of those things, like seeing the Po¯hutu Geyser shoot sky high in Rotorua, driving NinetyMile Beach, ambling through Hagley Park, marvelling at the intricate layers of the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki – a New Zealand must-do.
But don’t think that’s all this pocket of the Waikato has to offer. There is plenty to fill up a whole day, or even a weekend, if time permits. Here’s your guide to a fun-filled day in Waitomo.
Morning Wake up at Te Tiro Accommodation
This pioneer cottage accommodation set on
650 hectares is a magical place to stay. Simple, cosy and homely, the views are truly inspiring. Wake up to look out over swirling mists to the coast on one side, and Ruapehu and Nga¯uruhoe on the other.
If you like the idea of glamping, that’s also an option there, complete with an open fire right outside the tent. The lack of street lighting allows for incredible stargazing opportunities across inky dark skies, and the property even has its own tiny bush walk that ends at a bench next to limestone faces covered in glow-worms.
Hosts Angus and Rachel are ex-tour guides from the area and provide a wealth of information. Breakfast is provided.
970 Te Anga Rd, Waitomo, waitomocavesnz.com
Mangapohue Natural Bridge
It’s hard to imagine what a natural bridge might look like, until you get there – the description undersells it. A 20-minute drive from the bed and breakfast at Te Tiro, this 17-metre-high limestone arch is a sight to behold. Follow the boardwalk through an impressive gorge that takes you directly underneath this spectacular feat of nature, dating back millions of years.
The arch – or natural bridge, if you must – is all that remains of an ancient cave system, and the ceiling is punctuated by gothic-looking stalactites.
The view back down the gorge is stunning. This is a very quick and easy walk in and out, definitely not to be missed if you’re in the Waitomo area.
Leave extra time to pick your jaw up off the ground when you round the corner and see the arch in its full glory.
Te Anga
Marokopa Falls
Six minutes down the road from the natural bridge is the 35-metre-high Marokopa Falls, where the Marokopa River cascades over chunky greywacke basement rock, and swirling mists create myriad rainbows.
It’s a short track through lush tawa and nı¯kau forest to get there, but can be a bit slippery after rain. There’s a viewing platform where you can see this seriously impressive body of water in its full splendour. Mesmerising.
Te Anga
Lunch Huhu Cafe
It’s a 40-minute drive back from the falls, and you’ll need sustenance after a morning of magnificent natural sights.
Huhu cafe has something for everyone, whether you’re on a health kick or looking to indulge. If you’re travelling with family, there’s a children’s menu, too.
Try the house-baked re¯wena bread, warm with a thick layer of butter.
10 Waitomo Caves Rd, huhucafe.co.nz
Afternoon
This is the classic Waitomo cave experience. If you have never been, go. If you have been and are wondering if it will be as enchanting as when you were a kid, it will.
Wander among limestone columns, and stalactites and stalagmites, eventually descending into the boat in darkness. It’s insane to think this cave dates back 30 million years. The guides do a great job of keeping you all quiet, adding to the magic of gliding silently through the tunnel of twinkling bioluminescence. Glow-worms really are one of the coolest natural phenomena.
If you’ve done this recently, there are plenty of other cave experiences in the region, including hikes, blackwater-rafting, underground ziplining, and even a troll cave!
39 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo Caves, waitomo.com