Glow-worm Displays, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

Tourism Glow-worm Displays, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Tourism Glow-worm Displays, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

NEED TO KNOW

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves attraction is a cave at Waitomo on the North Island of New Zealand. It is known for its population of Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm species found exclusively in New Zealand.

This cave is part of the waitomo streamway system that includes the Ruakuri Cave, Lucky Strike, and Tumutumu Cave.

Highlights

On the North Island of New Zealand, 3 hours’ drive from Auckland, you’ll find the labyrinthine limestone caves of Waitomo, which drip with the silken, sticky threads of the larvae of fungus gnats, otherwise known as glow-worms.

Each worm hangs up to 70 glowing threads, 12–16 in (30–40 cm) long, from its ceiling nest to attract and trap midges, flies, and moths. It’s a magical display that resembles the Milky Way in microcosm.

Tours include rides on rubber rafts through the underground waterways, black-water rafting trips, and cave rappelling.

 

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