Waitomo Caves

Encyclopedia : W : WA : WAI : Waitomo Caves

The Waitomo Caves are located in the southern Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand, 12 kilometres northwest of Te Kuiti. The town of Waitomo Caves itself has a population of less than 40.

The limestone caverns are a popular tourist destination, as the caves are easily accessible. The main caves are Waitomo Cave, Ruakuri Cave, and Aranui Cave. They are noted for their stalactite and stalagmite displays, and for the presence of glowworms (the fungus gnat Arachnocampa luminosa[The Glowworm page] at www.waitomocaves.co.nz). Glowworm grotto in Waitomo Cave is widely regarded as one of the country's most impressive caving spectacles.

The word Waitomo comes from the Maori language wai meaning water and tomo meaning doline or sinkhole; it can be translated to be water passing through a hole.

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