Waitomo Glowworm Caves : A Guide to the Best Experiences

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most charming natural phenomena, and among them is the mesmerizing glow of the Arachnocampa luminosa, or the New Zealand glowworm. These bioluminescent creatures transform dark, damp environments into otherworldly landscapes, captivating all who venture into their glowing domain. So, what are they? How do they glow? And what’s the best place to see glowworms in New Zealand?

What is Arachnocampa Luminosa?

None of the world’s glowworms are true worms. In the northern hemisphere, the name is used for beetles that fly around at night with their tail-lights flashing. In New Zealand and Australia, glow-worms are the larvae (maggots) of a special kind of fly known as a fungus gnat.

Fungus gnats look rather like mosquitoes, and most feed on mushrooms and other fungi. However, a small group of fungus gnats are carnivores, and the worm-like larvae of these species use their glowing lights to attract small flying insects into a snare of sticky threads. One species, Arachnocampa luminosa, is found throughout New Zealand, and others occur in Australia.

Hundreds of Arachnocampa larvae may live side by side in damp places, where the air is humid and still, to construct their snares. Caves and old mining tunnels are ideal. In the forest, glowworm snares are most common on moist banks beside a stream or in a ravine.

In caves, the insects light up at any time of the day or night. Outdoor glowworms start glowing shortly after dark and usually shine all night. Sometimes when a glowworm is disturbed, its light seems to go off suddenly. This is the larva slithering into a crevice, hiding from its light. It takes several minutes for the larvae to shut off the light.

Glowworm life cycle: A glowworm has four stages within its life cycle and has very short lifespans once they reach adulthood – a female glowworm will live up to 76 hours, whilst a male glowworm tends to survive up to 96 hours. All four stages of a glowworm’s life cycle take roughly 10-11 months to complete. It is easy to find glowworms at any time of year, however, a large number of eggs hatch into larvae during winter months. Their lights resemble a star-filled night sky. Māori call them titiwai, which refers to lights reflected in water.

How to Behave Around Glowworms During Your Visit

To “deal with” glowworms when observing them in their natural habitat, it’s important to minimize your impact on their delicate environment. This includes doing the following:

Glowworms are highly sensitive to light, and a bright torch can cause them to stop glowing temporarily. It’s best to avoid shining bright lights pointed directly at them, taking into consideration that red light is less disruptive to their bioluminescence, so if you need to use a torch, try to keep the light directed away from the glowworms or use a red filter.
Glowworm habitats are delicate ecosystems, and it’s important to minimize any disturbance, so please tiptoe and avoid making noise with your footsteps or touching the walls of caves, as this can disrupt the delicate structures the glowworms use to catch prey. Be aware that loud noises can affect the glowworms and other cave inhabitants.
The best way to observe glowworms is in total darkness, as their glow is most noticeable in the absence of other light sources.

Where can I see these fascinating creatures?

Have you heard about Waitomo Glowworm Caves? Where is it located, and how to get there?

Its address is 39 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo Caves (Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment).

You can get there by:

Car: You will enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour scenic drive in South Auckland and into the Waikato region.

Tour: You can join a guided day tour from Auckland, which often includes transportation, cave entry, and sometimes other attractions like Hobbiton or Rotorua

Bus: You can take a bus from Auckland to the nearest town (Otorohanga), and then you need a shuttle or a taxi to reach the caves (approximately 15 minutes driving).

If you decide to join a guided tour, usually what happens is that the tour starts by picking you up from the Auckland CBD. Then you go on a two-and-a-half-hour scenic drive in South Auckland and into the Waikato region with a scenic stop for amazing photos and any other stops if needed.

On arrival, you will have around 30 minutes to shop in the Gift Shop and grab a drink or something to eat at the Waitomo Homestead.

Your Guide will take you on a 45-minute guided tour inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, explaining the history of the Cave, the glowing worms, and the formations you’ll see inside.

You will ride on a flat-bottom boat that will glide through the Waitomo River while you gaze silently at the sparkling worms.

After you finish your Glowworm Experience, you make your way back through the scenic roads to Auckland after checking out the most fascinating creatures you won’t find anywhere else.

FAQs about Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

1. Do you need to pre-book your ticket?

Yes, pre-booking is essential to avoid missing out, especially during the summer months. Plus, it’s easy; just select your preferred date and time, and pay for your tickets online.

2. When is the check-in time?

Check in at least 30 minutes before tour departure. If you are late or miss your departure time, your ticket is forfeited and non-refundable.

3. How long is the duration of the fantastic tour?

Allow 45 minutes for the tour. If you have extra time, enjoy a coffee and a snack at the cafe and make sure to check out the gift shop before leaving!

4. How many people can go on each boat tour?

23 people or under can go on each boat, enjoying the tour.

5. Do you need a life Jacket to wear during the boat tour?

Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory for all children under 5 years of age. A variety of sizes and styles are available, and you will be provided at the beginning of the tour.
Infants secured in a front pack and remaining in it for the entire duration of the tour are exempt from wearing a PFD.

6. Will the tour be cancelled if it is raining?

The Cave will only be affected whenever there is heavy rain, over a period of time.

7. Are photos and videos allowed during the tour?

Photos and video are not permitted inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, but are allowed in Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave if you would like to capture some.