North Island's West Coast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in North Island's West Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Waitomo Glowworm Cave
The most "genteel" and perhaps famous of all the caves here was first officially explored in 1887 by local Chief Tane Tinorau and surveyor Fred Mace. They floated on a raft of flax stems, with candles for light, into the cave where the stream goes underground. Now visitors enter via a gentle pathway, explore the limestone cathedral (and, like opera diva Kiri Te Kanawa, are invited to test the amazing acoustics), then board a boat for a magical cruise beneath the "starry" glowworm-lit ceiling, floating out of the cave on the Waitomo River. Tours last 45 minutes and start at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Visitor Centre.
39 Waitomo Village Rd., Waitomo, Waikato, 3943, New Zealand0800-456–922Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tours NZ$51; multicave tickets available -
2. Aranui Caves
This is one of the smallest and prettiest cave systems in Waitomo. Eons of dripping water have sculpted a delicate garden of pink-and-white limestone here. Hour-long tours lead along boardwalks into tall, narrow chambers. Keep an eye out for the resident cave wetas; these native insects grow up to 4 inches long, but don’t worry—they will most likely hide if they sense you coming. Tours meet at the Ruakuri Visitor Centre at the top of Ruakuri Reserve on Tumutumu Road, 3 km (2 miles) beyond Waitomo Caves Village. Reservations are essential.
Tumutumu Rd., Waitomo, Waikato, 3985, New Zealand0800-456–922Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tours NZ$50; multicave tickets available -
3. Ruakuri Cave
To enter Ruakuri, visitors descend a dramatic, man-made spiral "drum passage," then go on to explore narrow, low-lit passages. Surrounded by magical limestone formations and the roar of hidden waterfalls, the way follows a dark underground river that twinkles with glowworm reflections. Tours are two hours (reservations suggested) and limited to 15 people. This is the longest cave-walking tour in Waitomo, but it's easily managed by people of reasonable fitness. All pathways are wheelchair-accessible. Tours meet at the Ruakuri Visitor Centre on Tumutumu Road.
View Tours and Activities39 Waitomo Village Rd., Waitomo, Waikato, 3977, New Zealand0800-228–464Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$74; multicave tickets available -
4. Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tour
This company offers three different underground experiences, all incorporating a gentle raft trip and close-up views of glowworms, and a short bush walk to the caves is a bonus. The raft trip, in Spellbound, explores a glowworm chamber that was filmed by Sir David Attenborough for the BBC. Te Ana o Te Atua (Cave of the Spirit) features limestone formations, fossils, and bones. Tours range from 1½ to 3½ hours and are limited to 12 people; advanced booking is advised. The shorter tours depart from a new base on Boddies Road, while the longer tours offer pick up and drop off from Waitomo Village. Private tours can be arranged.
334 Boddies Rd., Waitomo, Waikato, 3977, New Zealand0800-773–552Sight Details
Rate Includes: From NZ$50 -
5. Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre
This striking structure has an open design that reflects the drama of the limestone landscape surrounding it and artwork that honors Māori culture. Inside, you can buy tickets to visit the caves, find information about the region, relax in the café and restaurant, or browse the gift shop.
39 Waitomo Village Rd., Waitomo, Waikato, 3943, New Zealand0800-456–922Sight Details
Rate Includes: Apr. 1–Oct. 31, daily 9–5; Nov. 1–Mar. 31, daily 9–5:30 -
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