Waitomo: where glow worms, caves and waterfalls surprise you

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, hidden in the green hills of New Zealand, lies Waitomo. This place is world-famous for its underground wonders – a sparkling spectacle of glow worms, impressive caves and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re young or a bit older or traveling with children, Waitomo has something for everyone.

Glow worms: the #1 reason to visit Waitomo

The undisputed star of Waitomo are the glow worms. These tiny native insects create a spectacular light show in the darkness of the caves. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Spellbound are both fantastic places to witness this natural wonder. Float by boat through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and admire the starry sky above you, mimicked by thousands of glow worms.

At Spellbound you can walk on foot and observe the glow worms up close. The tour at Spellbound is much less touristy, and can also be extended with a visit to a spectacular cave.

Want to know everything about the most beautiful glow worm tour in Waitomo? I wrote a special blog about it earlier!

Tip: For a budget-friendly glow worm experience, walk at night through the Ruakuri Bushwalk. You’ll be amazed at how many glow worms you can already see along the path!

Adventure excursions: More than just glow worms

Waitomo is not just for glow worm lovers. There are countless adventurous activities that will boost your adrenaline levels. Abseil down into the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, an impressive limestone bridge formed by water erosion. Go rafting in the Black Labyrinth, an underground river with waterfalls and caves. Or test your courage with black water rafting in the Waitomo Caves, where you float through dark tunnels with only your headlamp as your guide.

My tip? Scroll through all the activities that can be booked via GetYourGuide. This gives you a good idea of all the cool tours that can be done in Waitomo.

Hidden gems around Waitomo

Besides the popular attractions, Waitomo still has countless (free) gems to visit. It’s up to you to make a plan to visit them all!

Walk the fantastic Ruakuri Bushwalk

The Ruakuri Bushwalk is an absolute must-do walk in Waitomo. The walk takes about an hour and takes you through a beautiful and tropical forest area.

Visit the beautiful Marokopa waterfall

More of a waterfall fan? The Marokopa Falls is about 45 minutes drive from Waitomo. Then within 10 minutes you’re at the waterfall. Along the way you also pass the Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

Waitomo is a beautiful destination and MUST be on your New Zealand bucket list for the North Island. The combination of glow worms, adventurous activities and tropical forests makes it an unforgettable experience. So plan your New Zealand road trip and discover Waitomo!