- Chapter 18

After recovering from the "Tongariro Alpine Crossing", we continued our tour. This time we went to Waitomo. Here we were especially excited about the Glowworm Cave, after being enchanted in the Glowworm Dell in Hokitika.

Once we arrived, we booked a campsite nearby and went to the I-Site. For some time now, we have discovered these information centers for ourselves. They offer us the excellent combination of information and booking options for different activities at every location.

So we decided to book a combo package. We expected to visit both caves the next day. But the friendly lady at the reception offered us the opportunity to visit one cave on the same day and the second cave the following day.

So we decided to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Cave on the same afternoon. When we arrived, we were told about the safety precautions. You have to behave quietly and absolutely no photos are allowed. Too bad, but at least we can fully enjoy the natural spectacle.

At the beginning, we were guided through a part of the cave. Here we learned, for example, how glowworms feed. Similar to spider webs, they let down a thread in which insects get caught and they can then consume them. We also had the opportunity to see a few examples of this.

After that, we were led to the main highlight. The boat tour through the part of the cave where most of the glowworms live. While we admired the little creatures, our guide drove us through this part and gave us plenty of time to marvel at this natural wonder. To truly understand this fascination, one has to see it for themselves.

The following day, we had the second cave on the program, the Ruakuri Cave. Since this is one of the few wheelchair-accessible caves, a steadily descending path led us to the depths at the edge of a huge round shaft. Once we arrived, we were told a lot about the formation and formations underground. The whole thing was also somewhat mysterious, with the different light animations.

The real highlight here, of course, were the glowworms. In addition, we were allowed to take photos in this cave, which we did of course. The entire tour lasted just under one and a half hours and we were glad we decided to book the combo package.

However, we also agree that these caves have been heavily tailored to tourists. This includes, for example, sending out a tour every half hour and adhering to a certain "schedule". This can include, for instance, suddenly turning off the lights, as they function on a timer. This discreetly reminds the group leader that they are behind schedule. Nevertheless, we do not regret our visit.