Touring New Zealand’s Glowworm Caves

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves were first explored in 1887 by local Maori Chief Tane Tinorau he was accompanied by English surveyor Fred Mace. The local Maori were aware of the caves existence but the caverns had never been extensively explored until Fred and Tane investigated them. They built a raft of flax stems and carried candles as their only lighting; they floated into the cave where the stream goes underground. There first discovery was the Glowworm Grotto with its perfusion of tiny bright lights covering the cave ceiling. Looking up they discovered that the ceilings were covered with the lights of thousands of glowworms. They were able to leave the raft by poling their way to the embankment and then were able to explore the lower levels of cave. Here they discovered the wonderful cave decorations. They returned many times to explore further; on one trip Chief Tane discovered the upper level of the cave and an easier access. Only after many visits did they discover the entry point on land. By 1889 Chief Tane had opened the cave to tourists and he and his wife Huti led groups through the cave for a small fee. In 1906 the administration of the cave was taken over bv the government.


Knowledgeable guides, many of whom are local people whose parents and grandparents have guided in the caves, lead each tour group. There are two levels to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves which are 16 meters apart. The upper level is dry and includes the entrance to the cave, and formations known as the Catacombs, the Pipe Organ and the Banquet Chamber. The Cathedral and the stream passages are on the lower level. The Cathedral is the largest cavern and is 18 meters in height; it is world renowned for its superior acoustics, which are due to the enclosed shape and surface. Famous singers and choirs have performed here and have been amazed by the purity of the sound. The Tomo is one of the wonders of Waitomo; it is a 16 meter limestone shaft which marks the course of an ancient waterfall which to this day flows during heavy rains.

A special Scientific Advisory Group protects the many hundreds of thousands of little Glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Sophisticated automated monitoring systems check air quality, rock and air temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide.

By: Enid Glasgow

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Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys traveling to remote destinations. She enjoys traveling with Big Five Tours, providers of luxury New Zealand Tours.