WAITOMO
Waitomo, meaning “water hole” in Māori, is the beating heart of New Zealand’s subterranean landscape. This region is famous worldwide for its mesmerizing limestone caves and the sparkling glowworms that illuminate their darkness.
This land is a nexus of adventure and natural history, inviting exploration both above and below ground. It offers experiences from gentle boat rides to thrilling black water rafting in an ancient, silent world.
Most Popular Attractions
The Big Three Show Caves:
Waitomo Glowworm Caves: The original, world-famous cave experience featuring a silent boat ride under thousands of twinkling Arachnocampa luminosa (glowworms).
Ruakuri Cave: New Zealand’s longest guided underground walking tour, showcasing spectacular limestone formations and a deeper connection to Māori mythology.
Aranui Cave: A smaller, dry cave known for its stunning white, pink, and brown stalactites and flowstone formations.
Adventure & Thrill Experiences:
Black Water Rafting (The Black Labyrinth): A signature Waitomo adventure where you float, jump, and abseil through the dark caves on an inner tube.
Abseiling into The Lost World: A thrilling 100-meter abseil down through a cavern ceiling into an ancient forest below.
Haggas Honking Holes: An advanced caving experience involving climbing, abseiling, and tight squeezes through a challenging cave system.
Stalactite and Stalagmite Formations: General term for viewing the amazing rock structures formed over millennia by dripping water in various caves.
Surface & Nature Activities:
Waitomo Walkway: A scenic 3-hour return walk alongside the Waitomo Stream, connecting the village to the Ruakuri and Aranui caves.
Ruakuri Bushwalk: A loop track through native forest, offering views of the Ruakuri Natural Bridge and the deep Waitomo Gorge.
Marokopa Falls: One of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand, known for its curtain-like 35-meter cascade.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge: A majestic limestone archway, remnants of a large cave system that has collapsed.
Te Kuiti Shearing Statue: A large, iconic statue in the nearby town of Te Kuiti, celebrating the area’s rich farming and shearing heritage.
Piripiri Cave: A short, easily accessible cave track allowing visitors to explore a small cavern.
TumuTumu Toobing: Another popular glowworm cave tubing experience, offering different challenges and scenery from the Black Labyrinth.
Cultural & Heritage Sites:
Waitomo Museum of Caves: An interactive museum dedicated to the geology, history, and ecology of the caves and the unique glowworms.
Waitomo Village Church: A small, picturesque stone church in the heart of the village, reflecting the early settlement history.
Ōtorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park: Located nearby, this center focuses on conservation, offering a chance to see New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi.
Māori Cultural Experience: Various local operators offer insights into the history and legends of the Ngāti Hikairo and Ngāti Maniapoto iwi (tribes) who are the traditional custodians of the land.
King Country: The broader regional name, encompassing the rich farming and forestry land surrounding Waitomo.
Kawhia: A coastal town and historic port, significant to the Tainui iwi and known for its hot water beach where visitors can dig their own hot pool.
Tiroa Road Loop Drive: A scenic drive through stunning karst landscape and farmland, offering viewpoints and photographic opportunities.
Cave Stream Geology: An exploration into the karst landscape itself, observing dolines (sinkholes) and subterranean water systems across the region.
Activities & Experiences
Take the Glowworm Caves Boat Tour: Experience the iconic Waitomo Glowworm Caves by taking the classic silent boat ride under thousands of twinkling Arachnocampa luminosa (glowworms), creating a magical starry effect.
Go Black Water Rafting (Tubing): Embark on a thrilling, unique adventure where you float on an inner tube through the dark subterranean rivers of the Ruakuri or Aranui Caves. This often involves small waterfalls and leaping backward into the water.
Experience a Guided Cave Abseil/Rappel: For the adventurous, descend 100 meters into the Lost World Cave using a rope, followed by a climb out or a walk through the stunning cavern.
Explore Ruakuri Cave: Take the fully guided, accessible walking tour through this spiral-entrance cave system to see stunning limestone formations and more glowworms up close.
Hike the Ruakuri Walk: Walk the free above-ground track that follows the Waitomo Stream as it disappears and reappears, featuring bridges, tunnels, and mini-gorges.
Visit Marokopa Falls: Take a short, scenic drive and walk to view this spectacular 35-meter-high, tiered waterfall, often cited as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful.
See the Mangapohue Natural Bridge: Walk beneath the remains of an ancient cave system, where the Mangapohue Stream flows under a magnificent 17-meter-high natural archway.
Walk the Te Araroa Trail Segment: Tackle a section of the national Te Araroa Trail which passes through the area, offering excellent views of the rolling King Country landscape.
Do a Scenic Horse Trek: Explore the beautiful native bush and farmland surrounding Waitomo on horseback, suitable for all skill levels.
Visit the Waitomo Museum of Caves: Learn about the geological and cultural history of the area, including how the limestone landscape and the glowworms came to be.
Have Lunch or a Drink at the Waitomo General Store: Stop at this historic, charmingly rustic store and café, which has served the local community and visitors for generations.
Local Tips & Transport
Driving is Essential: Waitomo is a small village with limited local public transport. A private or rental car is the most practical way to travel between the caves, the nearby waterfalls (Marokopa Falls), the natural arch (Mangapohue), and the surrounding towns like Te Kuiti.
Intercity Buses: Intercity bus services connect Waitomo to larger North Island cities like Auckland, Hamilton, and Rotorua. However, they mainly stop at the Waitomo Caves Visitor Centre.
Local Shuttles: Some of the major cave tour operators (especially those offering Black Water Rafting) provide shuttle services from the Visitor Centre or local accommodation to their specific cave sites. Check with your tour operator when booking.
Fuel Up: Waitomo village has very limited services. Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank in the nearest towns (Otorohanga or Te Kuiti) before arriving, as gas stations are scarce in the immediate area.
Book Cave Tours in Advance: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Ruakuri Cave are major global attractions. Booking your preferred tour (especially the Black Water Rafting) several weeks in advance is highly recommended, particularly during the peak summer season (December – February).
The Tumuaki (Chief): The land and caves are of immense cultural significance to the local Māori people, specifically the Ngāti Kinohaku sub-tribe (hapū). The glowworm caves were discovered by the local Tumuaki (Chief) Tane Tinorau in 1887.
Wear Layers Underground: The temperature inside the caves is consistently cool, around 12ºC (54ºF). Wear layers and sturdy walking shoes for maximum comfort.
A Note on Photography: Photography is strictly prohibited on the classic Glowworm Caves boat tour to protect the glowworms. Other caves, like Ruakuri, often permit it but require you to turn off your flash.
The Waitomo Loop: The drive from Waitomo to Marokopa Falls, Mangapohue Natural Bridge, and back is a beautiful, easy half-day scenic loop. The road can be winding, so allow extra time.
Hidden Gem: Aranui Cave: Often overlooked, this smaller cave has no river and fewer glowworms, but it features some of the most exquisite and fragile stalactites and stalagmites in the area. It offers a more intimate caving experience.
Waitomo’s History: The word Waitomo is derived from the Māori words wai (water) and tomo (a sinkhole or shaft). The area is known as King Country because of its history as a sanctuary for the Māori King movement in the late 19th century.
Top Restaurants
HUHU Cafe [$20-$35] – An award-winning establishment in Waitomo Village that focuses on healthy, freshly made, seasonal New Zealand cuisine with excellent views from the deck.
The Tomo Bar & Eatery [$20-$35] – An authentic Kiwi pub in Waitomo Village offering a warm atmosphere, cold local beer on tap, and hearty, delicious food, including lamb cooked on hot stones.
Waitomo Homestead [$15-$25] – Located on State Highway 3, this popular stop offers a café and restaurant experience, famous for its homemade pies and relaxed dining area with stunning rural views.
Stoked Eatery [$15-$25] – A highly-regarded spot in Te Kuiti known for showcasing the best of local flavors and offering a welcoming atmosphere for travelers heading south.
The Thirsty Weta Bar & Eatery [$15-$25] – A lovely bar and eatery in nearby Otorohanga, a great place to stop for delightful cuisine and refreshing drinks in a small, quaint town.
Mini India Takeaway [$15-$25] – A popular, locally owned Indian spot in Te Kuiti known for a diverse menu of delicious Indian cuisine, including vegetarian options.
The Muster Bar Te Kuiti [$20-$30] – Offers a typical New Zealand pub dining experience in Te Kuiti with well-made, tasty comfort food like schnitzel and ribs.
King Street Kitchen [$15-$25] – A simple, local-favorite spot in Te Kuiti, likely offering a mix of café standards and Kiwi classics.
Tiffany’s Café and Restaurant [$15-$25] – A straightforward, local café and restaurant in Te Kuiti offering a selection of meals in a casual setting.
Town and Country Food [$15-$25] – Located in Te Kuiti, this spot is a go-to for hearty, straightforward local food and classic takeaway fare.
Riverside Lodge [$20-$35] – A charming spot offering generous serving sizes and a pleasant dining experience with a good selection of meals.
Caves Motor Inn [$20-$35] – The modest motel restaurant/eatery between Te Kuiti and Otorohanga, serving unassuming, traditional meals.
Waitomo Caves Cafe and Restaurant [$20-$35] – Located at the Visitor Centre, this open-air restaurant offers a selection of light or substantial meals and a fantastic beverage list amidst native bush. Note: This is very touristic, but the food quality is generally good and the location is iconic.
The Long Black Café [$15-$25] – A café located on the road to the caves, a great stop for coffee, quick bites, and simple meals.
The General Store Waitomo [$10-$20] – Located in Waitomo Village, this café hidden within a store serves the usual New Zealand café fare, from cabinet food to hot meals—a good budget option.
Bosco Café [$15-$25] – A popular spot in Te Kuiti for delicious breakfasts, brunch, and coffee with a cozy vibe.
The Big Apple [$10-$20] – A cozy café in Otorohanga offering delicious meals and local souvenirs.
The Waitomo Golf Club Restaurant [$20-$35] – Often a great place for hearty, classic New Zealand food and good views, frequented by locals.
Piopio Big Tree Cafe [$15-$25] – Located in Piopio, a town slightly further afield but renowned for its great local café fare and baked goods, worth the short drive.
The Landing Restaurant [$25-$45] – Found within a local lodge/hotel, these dining rooms often offer a step-up in service and menu, focusing on local, high-quality ingredients.
Otorohanga Bakery & Cafe [$10-$20] – A classic small-town New Zealand bakery, perfect for pies, sandwiches, and sweet treats.
Te Kuiti Club [$15-$25] – Local clubs often have bistros with great value and simple, hearty food popular with the community.
Youngs Seafoods & Takeaways [$10-$20] – Located in Te Kuiti, this is a must-try for traditional Kiwi fish and chips, known for its wonderfully crispy batter.
Pizza Zone [$10-$20] – A local spot in Te Kuiti for classic takeaway pizza, a solid, non-touristy choice for a quick and casual meal.
Roselands Resort BBQ Buffet [$30-$50] – A unique New Zealand-style BBQ experience, offering a buffet of BBQ meats, salads, and famous Kiwi desserts like pavlova. Note: Caters to large groups/tours but is a unique Kiwi experience.
Sushi Corner [$10-$20] – Located in Otorohanga, a great, affordable spot for a healthy and quick meal, offering sushi packs and donburi.
Toi Toi Coffee [$10-$20] – Located along the scenic road to Marokopa Falls, offering affordable lunch stops like sandwiches, pies, and sweet treats—a true road trip gem.
Waitomo General Store (Café) [$10-$20] – A simple but well-kept café for quick, affordable cabinet food and hot meals.
Grub Up Cafe [$15-$25] – A popular café known for its fresh food, great flavors, and friendly staff, suggesting a high-quality takeaway and casual dine-in experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Tomo Bar & Eatery: Located right in the heart of Waitomo Caves Village, this is the essential Kiwi pub experience. It offers local beer on tap, spirits, and New Zealand wines in a warm atmosphere, making it the primary social hub for travelers and locals alike.
Waitomo Club Inc: Situated in the nearby town of Te Kuiti, this is a traditional New Zealand ‘Club’ (similar to a community or cosmopolitan club). It features a bar with a good selection of local beers and spirits, a bistro, and a welcoming atmosphere for members and visitors.
HUHU Cafe: A delightful eatery located near the famous caves in Waitomo Village. While primarily a cafe and restaurant known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, it also offers a selection of wine and beer, providing a relaxing spot for a late evening drink.
The Muster Bar: Found in Te Kuiti, this pub offers a lively atmosphere where locals often gather. It’s a great spot for sports, a casual drink, and simple pub fare.
Stoked Eatery – Cafe, Bar and Grill: Located in the Railway Station Building in Te Kuiti, this spot blends modern dining with a vibrant atmosphere and has a bar service for a nightcap or a relaxed drink.
The General Store Waitomo: Positioned in the heart of Waitomo Village, this venue is generally a store and cafe but often has a liquor license, allowing for a casual beer or wine to be enjoyed on-site.
Caves Motor Inn Bar: The on-site bar at the Caves Motor Inn, just off State Highway 3 near Te Kuiti, provides a convenient place for guests and non-guests to have a quiet, classic hotel-style drink.
Waitomo Caves Hotel Bar: Found in the historic Waitomo Caves Hotel in Waitomo Village, this bar allows patrons to enjoy a drink in the grandeur of a renovated 19th-century building.
Piopio Cosmopolitan Club: Located a bit further out in the small town of Piopio, this is another traditional community club offering a welcoming bar and social setting, similar to the Waitomo Club Inc.
The Night Owl Restaurant and Bar: A dining venue in Piopio that also features a bar, making it a good choice for a sit-down meal accompanied by a beer or wine in the wider district.
Roseland Farm and Garden Restaurant Bar: Set on a farm just off Fullerton Road in Waitomo, this venue’s restaurant includes a bar service, offering a unique, tranquil country setting for an evening drink.
The Long Black Cafe: Located on Waitomo Caves Road, this spot is primarily a cafe but offers a good selection of beverages, perfect for a low-key, late-afternoon or early evening refreshment.
Riverside Lodge Bar: The restaurant and bar area at the Riverside Lodge in Te Kuiti offers a comfortable spot for a drink, particularly convenient for those staying in the local area.
Morepork Pizzeria and Café Bar: Situated in Waitomo Village, this eatery serves pizza and café fare, and its bar is an excellent casual choice for a beer or wine with a meal.
The Fat Owl: A local bar and restaurant option in Piopio, offering a casual venue for drinks and dining.
The Tomo Bar & Eatery: As the central pub in Waitomo Village, this establishment often acts as the primary late-night spot, offering a lively atmosphere that can be the closest thing to a “club” in the immediate village, particularly on busy weekends.
Waitomo Club Inc: In Te Kuiti, the Waitomo Club functions as the main late-night social venue. Its atmosphere, with a bar, gaming machines (pokies), and often hosting social events, is the closest equivalent to a local club.
The Muster Bar: In Te Kuiti, this pub can become lively on weekend nights, drawing a local crowd and serving as a casual late-night option.
Piopio Cosmopolitan Club: The other main community-run “club” in the district, in Piopio, is a major social venue that stays open late on key nights for community gatherings.
Stoked Eatery – Cafe, Bar and Grill (Late Hours): The “Bar and Grill” aspect of this Te Kuiti venue means it operates as a slightly more upscale evening venue than the traditional pubs.
The Night Owl Restaurant and Bar (Late): Being a restaurant with a bar in Piopio, this venue offers a comfortable, slightly quieter late-night option for a relaxing evening drink.
The Fat Owl (Late): This Piopio spot offers a typical Kiwi pub environment that can become quite social and busy on weekend evenings.
Riverside Lodge Bar (Late): The bar at this Te Kuiti lodge often stays open to accommodate its guests and the local community, offering another late-night choice.
Caves Motor Inn Bar (Late): Similarly, the hotel bar near Te Kuiti serves a late-night function for those staying in the area.
Waitomo Caves Hotel Bar (Late): The ambiance of the historic hotel in Waitomo Village provides a unique and classic setting for a late-night beverage.