Things to do in Waitomo

Waitomo is a limestone cave district about 2 hours from Rotorua by road, built around one thing: the glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, a carnivorous larva that hangs sticky threads from cave ceilings to catch insects. Three main ways to see it suit different people. The Waitomo Glowworm Cave boat trip is a 45-minute walk-and-float tour, calm and dry, priced roughly NZD 60-70 per adult, fine for families and anyone who dislikes cold water.

Black water rafting through Ruakuri or the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. tubes you through the same cave system in a wetsuit, from around NZD 150 up to NZD 250 for longer trips with abseiling and jumps. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. also runs a zipline-based tour through the Ruakuri Reserve bush without entering water, a middle option for those who want speed over cold immersion.

Bookings are recommended in peak summer months; cave temperatures sit around 15-16°C year-round.