Centrally
located and within easy driving distances from Auckland and Rotorua, the
Waitomo region has many interesting towns and attractions to explore,
including Hamilton’s Free-Flight Aviary for native birds, ever-popular
farmstays and Waitomo’s caving adventures. These caves are one of the
country’s natural wonders.
Waitomo means the place where wai (water) disappears into a tomo (hole in the
ground). Several of the hundreds of limestone caves in the district are sites
for adventure activities, including abseiling into caverns, floating through
on inner tubes, or guided walks or boat trips through spectacular formations
or glow-worm caves.
In addition to sightseeing at Waitomo, there is the popular Museum of Caves
which operates the Visitor Information Centre.
Near the picturesque village there is a walkway, the Ruakuri Bushwalk, which
passes through three short caves and features unusual limestone formations.
There is also a pioneer farm show and horse trekking. Jet boats and
four-wheel-drive motorbikes may be hired.
Waitomo Caves is served by major coach
and tour operators and by the the Overlander train from
Auckland and Wellington
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