Where is waitomo new zealand

Bring comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths. Local Maori people knew of the Caves existence, but the subterranean caverns had never been extensively explored until Fred and Tane went to investigate. They built a raft of flax stems and with candles as their only lighting, floated into the cave where the stream goes underground.

As they entered the caves, their first discovery was the Glowworm Grotto with its myriad of tiny bright lights dotting the cave ceiling. As their eyes adjusted to the darkness, they saw a multitude of lights reflecting off the water. Looking up, they discovered that the ceilings were dotted with the lights of thousands of glowworms.

Debris and logs littered the waterway, but by poling themselves toward the embankment they were able to leave the raft and explore the lower levels of the cave.

Here they found themselves surrounded by the glorious cave decorations. Jubilant at their discovery, they returned many times to explore further, and on an independent trip Chief Tane discovered the upper level of the cave and an easier access. Only after many subsequent visits did they discover an entry point on land. This is the same entry point used today by thousands of visitors annually. By Tane Tinorau had opened the cave to tourists. Visitor numbers soared and Chief Tane and his wife Huti escorted groups through the cave for a small fee.

In the administration of the cave was taken over by the government. Guides will take small groups out on boats into the inky-dark water, and almost immediately you'll look up to see swells of glowing light.

But the luminescent creatures aren't the only amazing feature these caves possess. The stalactites and stalagmites create all kinds of cool and unusual shapes, and many areas of the caves are nicknamed according to these shapes. For example, there's The Organ named for a church organ, not the bodily kind , the Bride's Jewels and Blanket Chamber. While arachnocampa luminosa are most famously connected to the Waitomo Caves, this species -- which is native to New Zealand -- can be found in other places throughout the country, including the Wellington Botanical Garden and McLaren Falls on the North Island and Arthur's Pass on the South Island.

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