Waitomo District New Zealand Has Best of Both Worlds

From great west coast surf, The Waikato River winds through lush green bush, hill, and farm landscape toward the hub city of Hamilton, a convenient base for exploring the Waikato Region New Zealand during your New Zealand vacation.

Memorable views and experiences await at beaches, mountains, waterfalls, hot mineral pools and the magical underground world of Waitomo District New Zealand.

Waitomo, which roughly translates to “water hole or shaft”, is a popular tourist spot that holds adventure seeking thrills both above and below the ground. An extensive cave system houses the living lights of Waitomo Glow Worms, and also provides black water rafting, caving, and rappelling opportunities.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves are the top Waitomo District New Zealand attraction that’s literally down under. Millions of visitors visit this underground labyrinth of limestone formations through caverns of exceptional acoustics culminating in a boat ride past sparkling living lights given off by New Zealand Glow Worms.

Other popular cave tours visit Spellbound Glowworm Cave, featured in a recent documentary for its high glowworm population; Te Ana O Te Atua with its impressive natural entrance; and Ruakuri Cave with narrow winding corridors, hidden waterfalls, and amazing cave decorations.

Above ground, you’re likely to encounter kiwi in both feathered and human variety (New Zealanders are often referred to as “kiwis” and Waikato locals are known for their friendliness). Besides this twofold kiwi culture, there’s horseback riding, 4WD biking, bungee jumping, jet boating, bush walks, angora rabbit shows, Maori cultural tours, a wildlife park, and Marokopa Falls.

With many of these activities housed within Waitomo’s most unique Woodlyn Park Motel, there’s no need to check in at Auckland or Rotorua hotels to travel to tourism destinations. Here the accommodation is the attraction!

Other points of interest include Waitakaruru Arboretum & Sculpture Park,; Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours with daily tours to the site of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy; Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, and ecological restoration project; Longlands Farm & Restaurant, Qualmark rated top tourist attraction, and leading gaming destination, SKYCITY Hamilton.

Waitomo District New Zealand is centrally located about 90 minutes from Rotorua, Auckland, and Tauranga. One of the country’s greatest collections of charming small towns pepper the region with individual characteristics. Examples are Te Aroha, known for its spas and hot springs domain, and Cambridge, one of the area’s prettiest towns with blazing autumn color.

Check out the many attractions and opportunities for New Zealand outdoor activities above and below ground in Waitomo District New Zealand.