(photograph © Kiwidutch)
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I have fond memories of the Waitomo Caves from the time I visited as a young teen.
A lot has changed here in the intervening years because I remember a very small building where you got the tickets and not much else here in those days. Now there is an entire complex of buildings that include a visitors centre and various tours and a whole host of accommodation options for tourists.
We go inside and fully expect that since it’s getting late in the day that we will have to book tickets for the following morning, but we are in luck, there’s a tour going within the hour and there is space for Himself and the kids to join it.
Whilst we wait for the tour, Himself joins the queue and with the assistance of the friendly staff in the tourist information section, and after quite bit of ringing around, our beds for the night are arranged. Once Himself and the kids leave for the caves, I take some photographs outside and then make myself comfortable inside the visitors centre with postcards I’ve bought and write to friends and family whilst I wait.
The kids come back all excited having seen the glow worms and the massive stalactite and stalagmite formations and Himself confesses that he hadn’t expected too much but was really impressed. The glow worms in some parts of the cave make a fantastic light display as boats pass by in near silence below them on the subterranean river. It’s the insect version of looking at a galaxy, and just as beautiful.
The cave system is extensive and depending on how much time, physical ability and daring you have there are quite a few options to go caving with various degrees of difficulty as well as the general glow worm cave tours on offer.
Next time we are here in the district I hope to see far more than just postcards of the glow worm caves, until then here’s a small glimpse of what’s on offer, but I guarantee you that it’s even better if you ever manage to experience this amazing place in person.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
