Glow Worm Caves

Glow Worm Caves, originally uploaded by Fluffy Bear.

For the first day of our holiday within a holiday, we drove down to Waitomo to visit the glow worm caves.

Hamilton Gardens, originally uploaded by Fluffy Bear.

Waitomo is a few hours drive from Orewa so we made a stop at Hamilton gardens on the way where Kate & Fiona fed the ducks (although it was the fish that ate most of it!) and we saw a fantastic wooden carving showing a woodland fantasy scene - animals, fairies, pixes, etc.

When we eventually got to the caves our guide took us along to path and then into the cave entrarance. You then go down paths and steps until you are way underground. He showed us a deep, deep hole, stalactites and stalagmites (which grow at 1cm per 100 years) and then the lights went off for a first look at the glow worms.

We had to bend down low to look at the underside of a nearby cavern. We looked down and could see hundreds of tiny blue / green lights flickering below us. We then realised that these were reflections in the water and looked up to see the tiny worms suspended from the cave roof. The guide then turned on another light to show use the long hanging threads that worms use to catch flies and other insects.

Finally the best bit - we all got into a small boat for a trip in the dark down the river towards the cave exit. Above us on the roof were thousands of tiny lights as the worms illumintated the way.

Unfortunately photos weren't allowed so we only have the picture of the guide taking the boat back into the cave that you see above.

Hamilton Gardens, originally uploaded by Fluffy Bear.

After out trip we went off to find our accomodation for the night - a chalet at Waitomo YH followed by pizza at the on site cafe.