Waitomo Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Waitomo through our comprehensive guide, including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, must-try dishes, transport options, cultural activities, and safety tips.


Introduction to Waitomo

Waitomo is a scenic rural area located in Waikato, North Island, New Zealand. Its name Waitomo means ‘water passing through a hole.’ The local Maori people have long called the Waitomo Caves their home and have celebrated the beauty of the area in their traditions, legends and music.

Tourists from all over the world flock to Waitomo to see the famous glowworm caves, underground rivers, and natural landscapes. The region offers an abundance of adventure activities, from caving and black water rafting to hiking and biking.

Let’s explore the must-visit places, activities and tours, food and drink scene and local customs and beliefs of Waitomo.

List of Places to Visit in Waitomo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park: Located in Otorohanga town, it is a must-see attraction for bird lovers. You can see a wide range of New Zealand native birds, including the iconic kiwi, on their natural habitat.
  2. The Te Kuiti i-SITE Visitor Centre and Museum: Home to one of the world-renowned legends of sheep shearing sports. Here you can learn about the history and daily life of the locals and enjoy the awesome collection of wool-related machinery.
  3. Waitomo Cultural Centre: Unveils the wonders and stories of the Waitomo area and home to the community’s vibrant arts and crafts.

Natural Attractions of Waitomo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Waitomo Glowworm Caves: One of the most visited natural wonders sites in New Zealand. Explore the fascinating network of underground caves and be mesmerized by thousands of tiny glowworm lights that illuminate the caverns in Waitomo.
  2. Ruakuri Cave: Experience the underground natural beauty of Waitomo in Ruakuri Cave, featuring amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites. It is also the only cave that offers underground wheelchair access.
  3. Marokopa Falls: A 35-meter-high scenic waterfall and natural beauty on the Marokopa River, generally open all year-round for all visitors.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Waitomo

Waitomo offers an array of outdoor activities for the adventure enthusiasts, from the classic New Zealand hiking experience to biking around scenic landscapes.

  1. The Waitomo Walkway Trail: Explore Waitomo’s natural environment by walking through exotic forests, farmland and native bush. It is 3.5km and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete.
  2. The Timber Trail: A 86 km track that combines forests, rivers, and stunning views. A great adventure that connects the areas of Pureora and Ongarue. There are several places to break up the route, offering accommodation options.
  3. Pirongia Forest Park: The Pirongia Mountain track is a challenging 6-hour up-hill hike for those seeking a demanding workout.

Best Things to Do in Waitomo: Activities and Tours

  1. Cave Tubing: Discover a thrill during cave tubing adventure with Black Water Rafting Co. Watch the majestic glowworms in an ancient underground garden.
  2. Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour: Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with informative and friendly guides, venture in the underground boat ride through spacious caverns, and learn about the cave’s geological history.
  3. Horseriding: Enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Waitomo valley on horseback. There are a variety of options offered for all levels of experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Waitomo

Day Activities
1 Explore Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park
2 Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour
3 Thermal mud pools and hot waterfalls tour
4 Experience the Pirongia Forest Park track
5 Black Water Rafting
6 Hiking the Timber Trail
7 Visit Marokopa Falls

Food and Drink Scene of Waitomo

Waitomo has several options to satisfy your food and drink cravings. From cafes, wine bars to restaurants, serving both local and international cuisines.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Manuka smoked lamb from Waitomo itself
  2. Fish and Chips with Kiwiburger, a famous fast-food staple of New Zealand.
  3. Kumara fries

Local Beverages

  1. Monteith’s beer: New Zealand’s favourite craft beer
  2. Kiwi-crafted cider: A refreshing blend with a distinct New Zealand apple flavor.
  3. Sauvignon Blanc White Wine: from Marlborough, the best wine region in New Zealand.

Where to Stay in Waitomo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Waitomo offers various types of accommodation choices, from hostels to luxury resorts.

  1. Waitomo Lodge Motel: A self-contained apartment accommodation perfect for families. Each unit contains a mini-kitchen, in-room laundry, and private bathroom.
  2. The Garden B&B: A romantic rural retreat located just outside Waitomo Caves. Enjoy the beauty of nature from the garden view rooms.
  3. Juno Hall Backpackers: Located in Te Kuiti town, it provides a welcoming and peaceful ambiance, with comfortable dorms and shared facilities.

What to Buy in Waitomo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Wool and fur: Waitomo is known for its abundant sheep population, allowing the locals to create an array of wool and fur-based products, such as scarves, hats, and rugs.
  2. Maori carvings: A fine representation of traditional Maori culture, wooden carvings are a great way to bring home a piece of Waitomo’s heritage.
  3. Manuka honey: Known for its medicinal and anti-bacterial properties, Manuka honey is made from pollinations from Manuka trees in Waikato.

Local Culture and Customs of Waitomo

The Maori tribe is an important part of Waitomo’s cultural heritage. Visitors can experience cultural dances, songs and understand the tribe’s customs. Visitors must show respect to the Maori culture.

Best Time to Visit Waitomo

Waitomo’s climate is moderate, with rainfall spread throughout the year, making the region’s natural beauty even more breathtaking. The best time to visit Waitomo is during the shoulder season (October/November and March/April) when the weather is still mild, and crowds are less compared to the peak season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Waitomo

Do:

  1. Respect the natural environment of Waitomo
  2. Seek permission before visiting Maori villages or marae.
  3. Take a guided tour when exploring the Waitomo Caves.

Don’t:

  1. Disrupt glowworms’ habitats
  2. Take anything from Waitomo’s natural environment.
  3. Engage in any harmful activities that may cause harm to Waitomo’s environment and culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Waitomo

Waitomo is generally a safe place to visit, but vigilance is required as there are hazards in outdoor activities such as caving and rock climbing. Always inform the hosts or guides where they are going and stick to designated pathways.

Health in Waitomo

Visitors should practice basic hygiene principles, such as washing their hands regularly, drinking bottled water, and using insect repellent before going out to the Waitomo’s wilderness areas.

Getting to Waitomo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Waitomo

The nearest international airport to Waitomo is Auckland Airport. From Auckland, there are several options to get to Waitomo, including self-drive, shuttle bus or hiring a private taxi ride. The traveling distance from Auckland to Waitomo is approximately 200 km.

Bus Stations Near Waitomo

Public transportation to Waitomo from Auckland includes taking a bus from the Britomart train station, either direct service or shuttle bus.

Other Options

Waitomo can also be reached by helicopter or small prop plane landings at Waitomo Caves Airstrip.

How to Get Around in Waitomo

Public transport is scarce in Waitomo, so it is best to hire a car or go for organised tours. Taxi services are also available in Waitomo.

Where to Go Next from Waitomo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Rotorua

Rotorua is famous for its volcanic landscape and geothermal activity plus hosts several cultural tours and events. It is located approximately 130km eas of Waitomo.

Hobbiton

Hobbiton is the Lord of the Rings Movie Set located in Matamata with the iconic Hobbit holes still standing, which abounds with unique experiences for die-hard fans of J.R.R. Tolkien. It is about 60km north of Waitomo.

Conclusion

Waitomo is a great tourist destination with plenty of unique experiences to offer for everyone. From outdoor activities to cultural tours, whether you are an adventure seeker or nature lover, Waitomo is a great place to visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Ensure that you visit the Waitomo Cave network, which is an absolute must-see while you are there!

The Cathedral in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves The Cathedral in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves