Waitomo i-SITE Visitor Centre

The friendly staff at Waitomo i-SITE Visitor Centre are happy to share their local knowledge and expert advice. For those who want to arrange themselves there is information, or for those who want more help, staff are happy to help with bookings. They are knowledgeable on all caving options, all above ground activities and all accommodation available in Waitomo.

You won't be afraid of the dark in the Waitomo Caves, thanks to tiny natural light bulbs (glow-worms) who light the way through the labyrinth of underground grottos. The cave has the best possible conditions for a glow-worm to exist, so prepare to be astounded by the large population here.

The caves were formed more than 30 million years ago, but the first person to explore the underground and open it up to tours was local Maori chief Tane Tinorau in 1887. Some of the chief's direct descendants work at the caves today.

Visiting the cave is therefore a very educational experience, you'll get to know more about the glow-worms, the formation of the caves, the history behind the tours or simply gawk at thousands of glow-worms lighting the ceiling. Did you know that limestone is a fossil rock made up of the hard remains of countless millions of marine animals?