Fireflies have almost disappeared from cities, but luckily, there’s a unique firefly paradise in the world – the Waipu Caves! Hidden beneath the green hills, underground streams have shaped this labyrinthine labyrinth of limestone caves over millennia. Worried about darkness? Fear not! Thousands of fireflies twinkle like a starry sky, creating a living galaxy to guide your continuous exploration.
As water still flows through the caves, visitors navigate them on small boats, adding a touch of romance. Truly, a ‘dream-laden boat presses upon the Milky Way,’ with sparkling stars filling the night.
Finding Glow worms in Waipu Caves
The Waipu Glowworm Caves area boasts over 100 caves, but only 9 have been developed for adventurous tourists, making it a popular attraction on New Zealand’s North Island!
With openings both above and below, insects are drawn into the caves for breeding. Fireflies release glistening threads like beads, emitting a green glow from their tails. These lights, resembling a myriad of stars, adorn the cave’s depths, creating a celestial spectacle.
Before you go, make sure to secure your tickets in advance. Guides will lead you through the dry parts of the cave, explaining their formation, the fireflies’ habits, and more. Please note that there are no fireflies in the dry sections.
Next comes the boat ride. Before boarding, you’ll witness numerous fireflies. However, the real highlight is the boat journey—lifting your gaze, you’ll be amazed by a sky full of stars, reminiscent of the Avatar world. Everyone remains breathless, captivated by the silent beauty.
The entire tour of the glowworm caves takes about 45 minutes. Initially, you’ll walk for around 30 minutes to explore the geological structures like stalactites, followed by the boat ride to see the fireflies. The boat tour lasts about 15 minutes. Floating through the glowworm caves on the boat feels like navigating through the Milky Way.
Tips for seeing Glow worms in Waipu Caves
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing; caves can be chilly.
- Do not bring lighters or cigarettes into the cave.
- Do not touch the stalactites or cave structures.
- The entire Waipu Glowworm Caves tour lasts around 45 minutes, with a 15-minute boat ride.
- No photography allowed throughout the tour! Keep your phone on silent and refrain from speaking to protect the fireflies’ environment.
- Photography and videography are allowed in the Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave.
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