Waitomo Caves We continue on to Waitomo Valley, the gateway to the spectacular Waitomo Caves. Waitomo was one of New Zealand’s original tourist destination. Its popularity has endured and you’ll soon understand why. Lonely Planet calls the Waitomo Caves a ‘must do attraction’. Under the farmland of the Waitomo area lies a network of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The caves were carved by underground streams shaping the soft limestone over thousands of years. Many of the caves have amazing stalactites (an icicle-shaped formations that hangs from the ceiling of a cave) and stalagmites (an upward-growing mound of deposits) built gradually over centuries from minerals contained in water that trickled through the caves. But what makes these caves truly unique are the glow worms, Arachnocampa Luminosa. These little creatures are unique to New Zealand. Thousands of them line the cave walls radiating their unmistakable luminescent light giving you the feeling of being close to a million stars. During your tour, a local specialist guide provides a fascinating commentary on the Waitomo Caves’ history and geology as you explore the caves on foot and by boat. The gentle boat ride takes you silently down a peaceful underground stream lit only by the millions of tiny glow-worms lining the walls and roof of the cave. A truly awe-inspiring experience.

We will then continue our tour of Rotorua, the lakefront, visit the historical and picturesque government gardens and hot pools. (Under maintenance at present). Our trip to Rotorua weaves together the fascinating geology, rich culture and colonial beginnings of this region that makes it a ‘must visit’ destination.