 Waitomo New Zealand is a unique destination, located
in the North Island of New Zealand. The area boasts an unspoiled
cave and karst landscape, covered with a vast expanse of farmland
and forestry. The tranquil region is less than three hours drive
South of Auckland, the country's largest city and two hours drive
West of Rotorua, the cultural heartland of New Zealand.
Home
to a small population of 300 people and a minute number of shops
and facilities, Waitomo can easily be perceived as a sleepy
village. However, in reality more than 500,000 tourists visit the
area annually and tourism has rapidly replaced farming as the
most significant economic activity. Increased visitation to the
region is due to the presence of an incomparable world, which can
only be encountered by venturing beneath the earth's surface.
 Underneath Waitomo stretches 50kms of cave passage. These caves
are part of a unique karst limestone landscape sculpted by water
into blind valleys, sinkholes, springs, arches and fluted rock
outcrops.
Farmland also forms a majestic part of the landscape, with an
abundance of rich pastures and rolling green hills encompassing
the region. A backdrop of bush clad forests, interesting rock
formations and farmyard animals create a peaceful environment,
which is intriguing to the eye and provides an insight into New
Zealand's rich agricultural heritage.
Transportation & Accommodation
Numerous tour buses and shuttles provide
daily passenger service to Waitomo.These include coachlines
Newmans and Scenic Tours, backpacker networks Kiwi Experience and Magic Bus and small shuttles like the Waitomo Wanderer. Other
options are Trans
Scenic, Rental Cars, Motorhomes or Campervans and off-the-track tours like the Flying Kiwi.
 There are a number of accommodation establishments in Waitomo
ranging from hotels to backpackers. These include Juno Hall
Backpackers, Waitomo Kiwipaka YHA, Waitomo Guest Lodge, Waitomo
Top 10 Holiday Park and the Waitomo Hotel. Alternatively why not
complete your experiences in Waitomo with a unique stay at
Woodlyn Park in a self contained 1950's railcar, furnished to
cater for up to six guests as well as a Bristol Frieghter
Aeroplane which sleeps up to 10 guests. There are a number of Bed & Breakfast establishments such as The Abseil Inn, Te Tiro
Farmstays, Valley View and Big Bird Bed and Breakfast.
Waitomo Activities and Attractions
Waitomo is a small township offering two exciting landscapes -
one beneath the earth and the other above. 'Two landscapes twice
the fun'. Whatever your experience, you are sure to be captivated
with all that Waitomo has to offer, so enjoy.
Blackwater Cave Rafting and Abseiling Adventures
 Blackwater Rafting is a unique cave tubing experience offering fun, mystery and adventure. Visitors venture underground with a professional guide and a rubber tube, to float through and navigate spectacular caves. Prepare to be awe-inspired by the spectacular natural occurring cave decorations and the magical light of the glowworms.
Waitomo Adventures Ltd has fantastic blackwater rafting, cave abseiling and tubing tours suitable for all ages and levels. Enjoy the excitement of waterfalls and hours of fun with professional guides and full training provided before you float, swim, abseil and walk through spectacular caves illuminated by the light of glow worms.
Waitomo Glowworm Cave
 Enjoy a 45 minute tour of the spectacular Glowworm Cave. Walk through and marvel at the amazing cave decorations before venturing on a boat tour through the Glowworm Grotto, where you have the opportunity to view thousands of glowworms in close proximity. Knowledgeable guides give an informative commentary.
Afterwards, include a visit to the awe-inspiring Aranui Cave, which boasts spectacular speleothems or cave decorations.
Waitomo Caves Horse Treks
 Experience the excitement and outdoor adventure of Waitomo Cave
Horse Treks. View the beautiful Waitomo country side from horse
back. Limestone formations, fossils, native bus, dogs, sheep,
cattle are all part of this wonderful experience. Best of all are
the awesome views! Whether you are a complete novice or a budding
lone ranger, there are a variety of horses to cater to the needs
of all. Equipment is provided with ride durations lasting from
one or two hours to full day and up to three day treks.
Waitomo Museum of Caves
Waitomo's award winning Museum of Caves
provides fascinating information on caves, the Waitomo Caves area
and also includes exciting displays. A magnificent half multi
media show runs regularly each day.
 The Museum of Caves is also
the official I-site Information Centre, where visitors can book
for most local attractions such as, Waitomo Horse Treks, Waitomo
Big Red 4x4 motorbikes, Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Aranui Cave, The
Woodlyn Park Kiwi Culture show and Jetboat Rides, Altura Park, as
well as transportation and accommodation in the local area and
anywhere in New Zealand.
Waitomo Big Red
Drive your own 4x4 motorbikes for a gripping two hour experience and a chance to view some of New Zealand's spectacular farmland. Venture through rugged bush, over green pastures and amongst New Zealand's interesting farm animals.
All guides are ATV certified and provide a variety of scenic tracks to cater to the needs and enjoyment of all. Bikes are extremely safe and easy to operate and no experience is necessary. (Continue...)
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