Waitomo

the beautiful waitomo glove worm caves
More than 30 million years after Waitomo first rose from the ocean floor, it’s unique underground limestone formations stand as one of New Zealand’s most inspiring natural wonders and a must-see destination. People come here to explore the underground caves and see the famous glowworms (which aren’t really worms at all). The underground adventure is something no one ever forgets.

New Zealand Travel Resources

Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
How to Find a Cheap Flight
Budgeting for New Zealand
New Zealand Backpacker Buses
My Favorite New Zealand Hostels
Waitomo’s Glow Worm Caves
Great Reasons to Visit New Zealand

Costs in Waitomo

  • Hostel Prices: Dorms cost between $20 – 27 NZD per night while private rooms begin at $60 NZD.
  • Budget Hotel Prices:
  • Average Cost of Food: There aren’t many high end restaurants in the city so food can be very cheap in the area. A typical restaurant meal with cost you about $15 NZD. If you choose to cook your food, plan to spend about $40-60 NZD per week.
  • Cost of Internet: Internet is $5 NZD per hour. There’s very few internet cafes so you need to get internet at your accommodation.
  • Transportation Costs: If you are traveling the area, there are several bus options to take you between the sites. Most tours will pick you up and return you to your hostel or hotel.

Things to Do in Waitomo

  • Waitomo Glow Worm Cave – Definitely one of the coolest things to do while in New Zealand, the Waitomo glow worm cave is hyped and touristy but lives up to that hype. It’s amazing as you walk or abseil down into darkness and float down the river staring up at caverns covered in the glow of the worms hanging from above. The 3 hour trip is long enough, but if you like to abseil, you should consider the five hour trip.
  • Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park – Oto’s main attraction is the kiwi house where you have the opportunity to see New Zealand’s national bird and other wildlife from the area.
  • Ruakuri Cave – Ruakuri was first discovered by local Maori between 400 and 500 years ago. It takes its name from the wild dogs that made their home in the cave entrance. The cave entrance was used by Maori as a burial ground (wahi tapu) and it is this sacred area. It has just reopened after being closed for 18 years.
  • Black Water Rafting – Step outside of your comfort zone and go with the rush of cave tubing or black water rafting—you won’t be sorry. This is one of the biggest draws of the area and a great way to spend time outside.
  • Museum of Caves – If you are interested in story behind all of the adventure of caving, this museum promises to inform. Learn about the difference in ecosystems, how caves form and thrive, and more. Entry is free with most expeditions.
  • Altura Gardens & Wildlife Park – This is a five acre park, which is home to more than 85 species of birds, and a number of various animals, some of which, you can touch or interact with. Consider taking the horse trek to cover more ground.
  • The Kiwi Culture Show – This is a countryside style theater, where locals gather for shows. They have a reoccurring, hour-long skit that showcases an interesting take on their history and quite a bit of humor. Get ready for some audience participation.
  • The Shearing Shed – This is somewhat of a unique sight to check out. It’s home to a number of Angora rabbits. Every day, just after the lunch hour, watch them get shaved! I was a little uncomfortable watching this but some people really enjoyed it. The gift store is full of Angora products.

Budget Tips for Waitomo

  • Research Your Tours: There are several different tour companies offering their own version of the glow worm cave excursion. Some of the tours can be very hit or miss. Make sure you ask around and go with a good company.