Waitomo’s main attractions are the caves, but also on the surface, the landscape offers sights not seen elsewhere.

Yesterday I toured the main three caves (a combo package is offered); The Ruakuri, Aranui, and the Glowworms cave. Ruakuri is the one known since longest, and the Aranui the most recently discovered. All of them are equipped with lighting, and comfortable dry walkways. Great care is taken to preserve the environment in the caves, but of course the hundreds of tourists passing every day will exhale some CO2 which will not be good for the formation of the stones.

They are breathtaking all of them. Ruakuri with its long winding tunnels, rivers, and glowworms, Aranui with enormous stalagmites and stalactites in church-like rooms, and the Glowworms cave, with its main cathedral room, and lake.

You take a boat on the lake to see the tens of thousands of glowworms in the ceiling. A true imitation of the clear night sky, and it works as a strategy for the glowworm to catch its prey.

Above ground, the Ruakuri scenic walk offers views into the tunnels, where the river enters the cave system, and scenery which explains from where Peter Jackson got his ideas for the scenography of King Kong. I completed this walk as a part of the greater Waitomo Walkway, which gives a good 3 hour walk, including photography. First time I used my hiking boots!

Soon I’ll head off to Rotorua.

One of the best things I did in Auckland was to buy an adapter for the electrical sockets. It is simple and handles both Swedish, American, and Thai standards. There is always something that needs charging… Too much really: Phone, Computer, Image Tank, Camera.

Time to check out! Next report from Rotorua!