Waipu Caves Scenic Preserve — Attraction in North Island

Waipu Caves are an absolute recommendation if you want to spend endless time in a glow worm cave, without any pressure, without guides etc. Don't pay attention to the sign at the entrance which says 2km / 2,5h to walk - once you reach the parking area it's a walk of 2-3 min. till you reach the entrance of the cave. I would recommend you to bring a headlamp, watershoes or barefoot (no rubber boots - that won't be enough), shorts and a good torch extra will help as well. From the entrance to the first worms it's just a few meters. At the "end of the cave" turn left and head to the next chamber, you will find there even more glow worms. My pictures were taken in the second chamber which is deep enough, but you could as well go further. Due to the super slippery ground at the entrance of the cave I highly recommend you to go with water shoes or barefoot. If you take way through the water (you anyways will have to) it will be much easier - the grip is better, but take care here as well, as there are stones under the surface. For experienced hikers it won't be a problem, for all others it might take longer, but you'll do it as well! The glow worms create a magical atmosphere. Allow yourself a bit of time in the darkness and shut off your torches to admire the ceiling of the cave! Have fun...

Waipu caves were one of the few things on top of my to do list. I have to say I'm glad I completed it, fantastic experience!! Was unsure about a few things so I thought I would write a short guide to help anyone planning on visiting the caves. These are must have items, shoes or sandles (rocks can be sharp) & an actual torch (not a mobile ph).

Other items which are useful was a bottle of water, change of clothes, towel & a backpack so you can safely store anything you have, it also allows you to keeps your hands free making it a lot safer to make your way through the cave. Now to see the glow worms you have to pass through water and walk approximately 5 - 10 mins into the cave. (Your feet will get wet).

At this point there should be no visible light, just turn off your torch and let your eyes adjust to the darkness, this is usually more than adequate for most people and is ideal for all age groups. However if you would like to go further into the cave you will have to pass through water just below knee level and it can be very clusterfobric. You can avoid getting wet by making your way on the rocks, but this is a dangerous way to go and you will end up...

This was a truly wonderful experience. I visited just this week and we were very lucky going on the cave tour, just 3 of us tucked between much bigger groups. The caves themselves are an easy walk as the pathway has been concreted throughout. The guide we had was Nina and she was just so splendid. Not only was she knowledgeable and full of positivity and passion but she was a thoughtful guide with regard to safety and the people in her tour. She was aware of small hazards left and right indicating them to us en route, made sure we saw all the best formations and spotted areas for great photo opportunities. She was aware of height and width of people and was fantastic in explaining ahead of time where we were to walk etc for holding had rails etc etc. I thought her guide work remarkable and her awareness of the need to be understood by non English speaking people in terms of instructions, just so thoughtful and aware. The caves were stunning, amazing, truly spectacular. You are in for a treat with the limestone formations and plenty of glow worms. Fabulous exerience. Thank...