Waitomo, NZ

Fun, Enjoyable Things to Do in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand: Selecting the Best Experiences – Part I

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Hello there, traveler! Today, I will walk you through the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand. This amazing place has a variety of activities to offer to visitors of any age and interest. Being relatively remote, the destination allows you to get closer to nature and experience the New Zealand wildlife and authentic landscape in their raw beauty.

However, it still offers a great deal of modern life comfort. This means that you will be able to enjoy an authentic experience in the wild nature while being able to benefit from good food and warm shelter in places like the Waitomo Caves Hotel, about which you will learn further on the pages of this blog.

What Are the Waitomo Caves and Why Visit This Region?

Having traveled to many exciting destinations around the world, I can state in all honesty that New Zealand is among the most stunning places I have ever visited. The country has a vibrant and well-developed urban life, but it is also rich in natural resources, such as forests, caves, beaches, and wildlife.

Some of the latter are located in regions of New Zealand that may often be referred to as “underdeveloped.” However, let that not put you off. The depths of New Zealand are full of hidden gems like the Waikato region, where the Waitomo Caves are comfortably nestled.

The Waikato Region: New Zealand’s Beautiful Treasure

Covering an area of approximately 25,000 square kilometers, the Waikato district is the fourth largest region in New Zealand. In the north, it occupies the lands of Bombay Hills and Park Waikato as well as everything that lies down to the Kaimai Ranges and Mt Ruapehu in the south. From west to east, it stretches from Mokau to the Coromandel Peninsula.

Some of the most important facts about the Waikato region include:

  • It has a coastline of 1,138 kilometers;
  • It is the home to 9.5 percent of the country’s population;
  • It has New Zealand’s longest river (the Waikato River) and largest lake (Lake Taupo);
  • It offers unique sightseeing opportunities, such as the Tongariro National Park and the pristine native and exotic forests.

The Waitomo Caves: An Unforgettable Experience

The Waitomo Caves are located in North Island’s central part. Hence, they are easily reachable from any part of the region. If you travel by car or bus, it will take you three hours from Auckland and 2 hours from Rotorua to arrive. In fact, one of the most popular tourist itineraries on the North Island is Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua.

The village of Waitomo is a quiet, charming little place surrounded by lush forests and an intricate web of underground caves.

The Waitomo Caves are 30 million years old and are lit up by thousands of glowworms. Here is what this fascinating view looks like:

The Waitomo caves can be explored in many ways, as they offer a diverse range of experiences. For instance, the Ruakuri Cave has amazing waterfalls and limestone formations.

However, this is not all about the village of Waitomo. In the northeast, there is the Otorohanga Kiwi House. It is home to several species of New Zealand’s signature bird, the kiwi, which is a rare species. In the west, you can find the Mangapohue Natural Bridge. This is a limestone formation that resembles a high arch overshadowing the Mangapohue Stream.

Exploring Waitomo & the Caves: What Does This Amazing Place Have in Store for You?

So, here we come to the most fun part of today’s article. Let us dive into the Waitomo experience and discuss the things you can do as a tourist here.

Before we go on to the actual activities, however, let me clarify something: Waitomo is an awesome place for weekend tourism. If you happen to be around on the North Island, please do take a couple of days to soak in the beautiful nature and enjoy the fantastic sightseeing opportunities. This is a truly relaxing experience that your body and soul will thank you for later.

Now, let us go straight into the activities you can enjoy around Waitomo and its fascinating caves:

Things to Do at the Waitomo Caves

First and foremost, you need to visit the actual caves. As I mentioned earlier in the article, the itinerary is suitable for tourists of any age, experience, and physical condition. Therefore, you do not need to worry if you have small children or elderly companions with you. I am sure the local tourist guides will provide you with the most appropriate options to delight in a fun adventure.

One of the best things about the Waitomo Caves is that they actually provide a variety of experiences. On one hand, you can enjoy pure sightseeing and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere created by the glowworms. On the other, you can have fun taking a boat tour inside the caves, or even go as extreme as doing blackwater rafting inside. What a joy!

For more opportunities to enjoy Waitomo, please continue to Part II of this blog post.