The Waitomo region offers a wide range of adventures and excursions, from the adrenaline pumping action of caving and abseiling to the quieter pleasures of angora rabbit shearing and an informative comedic pioneering show. There are over 70 kms of caves in the area. The separate operators are generally using their own caving systems.

We will be happy to discuss options with you, and will arrange bookings to help you get the most out of your stay in this lovely area.

There are attractions to suit all levels of boldness and athleticism, both above and below ground. Choices include floating romantically through dark caves lit only by the starry light of the regions famous glowworms, or fearlessly hurling oneself backwards off underground waterfalls. Aboveground there are horse treks, 4X4 wheel drives, or drive your own jet boat!

Billy Black’s culture show and the Cave’s Museum both offer fascinating insights into the making of this area, and should not be missed.

Safety note: for your enjoyment and safety, do heed the advice of the experienced guides. Some tours may be cancelled on occasion because of heavy rain.

We provide towels to guests plunging into the wetter activities.

Underground High Octane:

Black water rafting. Four operators undertake a range of tours through glowworm caves.

• The developers of the activity www.blackwaterrafting.co.nz have two trips, one a relatively straight cave float through (with a few waterfalls). The other involving a small abseil and a flying fox as well as the cave tubing. Helen’s 75-year-old father really enjoyed the abyss trip “pleasant change from golfing”.
• Waitomo Adventures run a number of trips including tumu tumu toobing – www.waitomo.co.nz
• Rap raft and rock claim to have warmer water and more glowworms – www.caveraft.com
• And Waitomo Down Under include Maori myths and legends

Lost World Abseil

An amazing 100m abseil into an underground forest -as featured in the National Geographic. Two tours run by www.waitomo.co.nz either climb your way out (4 hrs) or cave out (7-8 hrs)

Other abseiling

• Operated by www.waitomocavesfloatthrough.co.nz a 150 feet abseil into the baby grand cave, either during the day or at night (abseiling surrounded by glowworms)

Caving

• St Bendicts Cavern – 2 small abseils into NZ’s prettiest cave and Haggas Honking Holes – a tight squeeze and an exciting adventure -www.waitomo.co.nz
• Absolute adventures – a personalised caving experience exploring places few people have a chance to visit. www.absoluteadventure.co.nz

Underground – Low Octane

Spellbound – glide in a raft under a stunning glowworm display (bookings through the museum).

The Waitomo Caves – the original amazing glowworm caving experience (500,000 tourists per annum can’t be wrong)

Overland – High Octane

Horse trekking:

• Waitomo Caves Horse Treks – rides on unforgettable trails with magical views accompanied, if you are lucky by a Rohan rider (or perhaps thousands depending on whether he was digitally enhanced).
• Altura Park – treks through scenic farmland, bush and limestone formations www.alturapark.co.nz

Trekking:

• Trak ‘n’ paddle – Overnight experience involving tramping through spectacular bush, mountain biking and sea kayaking. Alternatively first day tramp can be taken as a day walk. www.traknpaddle.co.nz
• Dundle Hill Walk – Overnight 27 km walk along the ruakuri walk and then onto private native bush,forestry and farmland. www.waitomocaves.co.nz
• 4 wheel biking: wind your way through bush, navigate rutted tracks, in and out of valleys with steep descent
• : www.blackwaterrafting.co.nz/waitomo-big-rd.html

Drive your own jet boats- 100hp over a 1.5 km course – real adrenalin (and yes women are faster drivers – allow 10 minutes for the rush to kick in)

Overland – Low Octane

Waitomo Museum of Caves. An award winning special interest museum, including a spectacular glowworm multimedia show.

Altura Gardens and Wildlife Park. 5 acre award winning gardens. Pet and feed tame farm animals and view 85 varieties of friendly birds and animals www.alturapark.co.nz

Billy Blacks Kiwi Culture Show- One Helluva show (Lonely Planet) 1.30pm daily

The Shearing shed: Angora rabbits shorn daily at 12.45 (bottom of our driveway)

Otorohanga Kiwi House – including NZ’s original walk through aviary where visitors can see native bush in a natural rainforest habit

Country Carving – design and create your own bone carving. Please advise us if interested as limited to 4 people a day.

Tomo Pots – amazing ceramics

Freebies

Rurakuri walk – NZ’s best short walk – through rocks, into caves absolutely amazing. At night glowworms can be seen on the side of the walk (we provide the flashlights) very romantic!

Marokopa natural bridge – a semi collapsed cave offering contrasting views of traditional farmland and natural bush.

Marokopa waterfall – a beautiful waterfall much praised by waterfall connoisseurs

Kawahai hot beach – we will lend you the spade you have to do the rest

Kiretahiri beach – simply spectacular in the sunset.

And lots of local long and short walks.