The Waitomo Caves is situated near the North Island of New Zealand. These caves, which constitute a major stop on the tourist trail in New Zealand, are the most popular attraction in the Waikato region. More than 30 million years ago, the legend of Waitomo Caves began with the creation of limestone at the bottom of the ocean. Now these limestone formations stand as one of the New Zealand’s most inspiring natural wonders and a must see attraction.
The Waitomo Caves region has many spectacular attractions, featuring Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave, and Aranui Cave. The world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located just outside the main Waitomo within an easy reach of all people. Major features of caves are deep limestone shaft known as the Tomo and the magnificent Cathedral cavern.
Another cave is the Ruakuri Cave; Maori people, who were the resident of the village around 500 years ago, explored the Ruakuri Cave. It took its name from the wild dogs that made their home in the cave entrance. The entrance to the cave used by Maori as a burial ground.
At the 5 minutes drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, is located the Aranui Cave. It is named after Ruruku Aranui, the local Maori man who discovered his first gem previously in 1910. The Aranui has a natural cave entrance and is the smallest and the most delicate of Waitomo’s three main caves. Further into the cave is the most beautiful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and decorative formations. This cave is the most nicely decorated cave of the region.