Known for its caves, Waitomo is a small town within the King Country of the Northern Island. There are several different caves you can enter and each have different activities. From walking to rafting there are options for all ages and activity level. The main attraction in these caves are Maori carvings, paintings and glow worms.
Maori Painting inside our hotel
Unfortunately, due to a lot of rain, all of the caves were flooded and were only offering walking tours. My boyfriend and I really wanted to do a black water rafting tour, so we decided to look for other things to do. Because the weather was still overcast and rainy, we didn’t have a lot of other choices let alone things to do that would keep us dry.
Here are some other things to do in Waitomo if the caves are flooded:
- We drove a half hour west to the Mangapohue Natural Bridge. This old cave has fallen away and there is only one part remaining. It creates a natural bridge over a river flowing below and that is how it got its name. Its about a 10 minute walk and you are covered by bush.
Under the bridge, looking up to one side
2. We then drove another 5 minutes to Marokopa Falls. The excess amount of rainfall made the fall stronger that normal and it was really cool to see it with such force. The water was brownish as if there was mud in it from the higher water levels.
@pennythepennstategnome posing with the waterfall
3. Ruakuri Bushwalk: No more than an hour loop, this scenic forest walk is one of the best short walks in New Zealand. You get to walk through caves and see a few waterfalls. You can even end up in a cave and see glowworms!
4. Aranui and Waitomo Caves: Aranui Cave, known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations, is walkable from the Ruakuri Bushwalk but you must go along with a tour. Waitomo Caves is full of glowworms and they can be viewed by boat on another tour.
5. Waitomo Walkway: About a 3 hour walk from town to Ruakuri Bushwalk, take the option to go to the lookout point. Its in the middle of a cow field but it has a nice view where you can see many native birds along the way.
As far as staying in Waitomo you have a few options:
- Waitomo Caves Hotel: This 19th Century building takes you back in time. Rooms have plenty of room and the decor matches the buildings age. Wifi is not the greatest, but they do have an indoor hot tub and restaurant. Do Note: This hotel is known as one of the top 3 haunted places in New Zealand!
Curtain in our room
- Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge: This BnB is run by an older couple with some outdoor cats. Each room has its own small terrace with views that overlook the hills. Breakfast included and Wifi was great!
Our Terrace Area
- Kiwi Paka: The Backpackers Hostel where the Kiwi Bus sleeps its passengers, this joint is known for its Pizzeria, Morepork.
Tip: Make sure you always have an umbrella in your purse, especially in New Zealand! Locals say you can see all four seasons in one day; you never know when its going to rain. This travel umbrella is the perfect size and can go in your backpack or purse.
Has weather ever ruined your travels plans?
Edit June 2018: Click here for my experience Black Water Rafting in Ruakuri Cave. Also added, “Places to Stay” and 3 extra things to do in the area 🙂