Glowworm Cave

This is the cave that made Waitomo famous. Visitors never fail to be amazed by the splendour and beauty of the limestone formations. Keeping to well-lit paths, guides tell visitors about the formations and the history of the area. Features include the Cathedral Cave, a huge cavern with fantastic natural acoustics, and the "skeleton" in the cave's roof. The trip finishes with a boatride through the Glowworm Grotto. Small boats gently slide into the pitch black darkness. As your eyes adjust to the dark, the walls and roof sparkle with the lights of glowworm larvae.

The entrance to the cave is 500 metres beyond the Museum of Caves. The cave is easily accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths. Independent travellers should try to avoid visiting during the middle of the day when the cave is very busy with tour groups.

Caves Tour Information

These rates are valid until 30 September 2001 and include GST
(entry rates and hours are subject to change without notice)

All tickets available from the ticket office at the Glowworm Caves, the Waitomo Caves, Otorohanga and Te Kuiti Visitor Information Centres.

Glowworm Cave

Aranui Cave

Tour times: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. Bookings essential as tours are limited to 20 people

Entry rate for each cave

Private Bag 501, Otorohanga

Ph: +64-7-878 8227

Aranui Cave

The Aranui Cave has some spectacular limestone features, possibly even better then the Glowworm Cave, but doesn't have the added attraction of the glowworms.
5 guided tours daily - 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm (numbers are limited to 20 people per tour)
See prices under Entry rate for each cave. Transport to the cave is not included, although it is sometimes possible to get a ride with the guide.
Private Bag 501, Otorohanga

Ph: +64-7-878 8227

Marokopa Falls

Just a short drive from Waitomo is the majestic Marokopa Falls. The 36m waterfall can be viewed from the road above or from a walk to the bottom.

Museum of Caves

The world renowned Museum of Caves is located in Waitomo village and is the ideal introduction to the area. The exhibits cover the local landscape and geology, the caves themselves, limestone formations, the area's history and the flora and fauna. As an introduction to the more adventurous activities in the area, there's a short simulated cave crawl. There's also an audio-visual presentation about the caves, glowworms and other attractions in the area. The Museum is open from 8.30am to 5pm daily during Winter (Easter to end of October), 8.30am to 5.30pm from November to Easter. During January and February the Museum is open until 8pm.

The Museum is the heart of Waitomo, also being the Visitor Information Centre. Many of the activities in the area start and end at the Museum, and all transport stops here. The Centre is also the post office for the area. The Visitor Information Centre provides everything you need to know about the Waitomo area. The Museum takes bookings for all activities in the area including accommodation and restaurant bookings.
Entry to the museum is $5.00 per person, children free. Free entry to the Museum is included with many other activities. Email service available
PO Box 12, Waitomo Caves

Ph: +64-7-878 7640

Fax: +64-7-878 6184

The Shearing Shed

The Shearing Shed is the only place in the world where angora rabbits are shorn for their fine hair. The rabbits are huge, fluffy creatures, especially bred for their fine, soft fibre. You can see and hold the rabbits themselves and take the opportunity to purchase Angora products - yarn, duvets, underlays and sweaters. During the regular daily tours the guide gives a rundown on their habits and demonstrates them being shorn for fur. Free admission other than school groups. $1 per child, adults free
Waitomo Caves Road, PO Box 31, Waitomo Caves

Ph: +64-7-878 8371

Fax: +64-7-878 8371

Waitomo Golf, Squash and Bridge Club

Waitomo's 18 hole, 72 par course is 5875 metres of flat to rolling contours. The picturesque course is set in park-like surroundings, with a great variety of trees and a host of native bird life. The golf shop has equipment and carts for hire. The club is situated mid-way between Otorohanga and Te Kuiti, on State Highway 3, and only 10 minutes from Waitomo. Green fees $12 with a member. $15 without a member. $25 if non affiliated players. Daily after 1pm $12 for all players
PO Box 236, Otorahanga

Ph: +64-7-873 7978 (Secretary), +64-7-873 7125 (Professional)

Waitomo Caves Horse Trekking

Ph: +64-07-878-5065

Woodlyn Park

Self drive jetboats.
Pioneer Farm Show 1.30pm daily, $10 adult, $5 child. Commencing summer 1999/2000. Additional shows at 11.15am. At all other times shows can be arranged as part of a group booking. 

Ph: +64-7-878 6577

Fax: +64-7-878 6565

Altura Gardens, Wildlife Park & Horse Treks

A "Gardens of Regional Significance" award has been achieved in our gorgeous 5 acre country garden, which enchants you as you enter the Park.

There is loads of interaction with 85 different sorts of birds and animals in our picturesque wildlife park and FREE pony rides for the kids.

Awesome treks over our beef farm with gorgeous Mountain views. Treks range from 1/2 hour to 2 hours. Beginners welcome, must be over 12 years of age.

All trekkers get free entry to Gardens and Wildlife Park. Our 3 fantastic products are all Qualmark endorsed.

Details:

477 Fullerton Road, Waitomo

Ph/Fax: 07 8785278

Websites: www.alturapark.co.nz and www.alturaparktreks.co.nz

Email: altura.park@watchdog.net.nz