While glowworms aren’t unique to New Zealand (they can be found in Australia and Alabama as well), New Zealand offers what are arguably the most spectacular glowworm caves in the world.
Two places in particular stand out on the North Island for visitors looking for the glowworm cave experience.
Waitomo Caves
The most popular site is the Waitomo Caves, located south of Hamilton in the central part of the North Island. Tours start at $61NZ a person, but it’s worth the price. For over 130 years the caves have been attracting visitors, who take a boat ride through the spectacular glowworm cave system.
Black Water Rafting Tour
For adrenaline junkies who want to experience a glowworm cave in a totally different way than the traditional boat ride, there is the Black Water Rafting Tour through Ruakuri Cave. Participants ride a tube through the cave, experiencing subterranean waterfalls and glowworms along the way. Prices begin at $170NZ per person.
Waipu Caves
For visitors looking for a less polished, but no less impressive (and free) experience, Waipu Caves in Northland is the place to go . It features the same glow that can be found in Waitomo, but can be explored without a guide.
An interesting side note; New Zealand’s glowworms aren’t actually worms, but are the larvae of fungas gnats, a mosquito sized insect.
