Right next to hobbits, glowworms are near the top of the bucket list for many tourists, nomads, and lovers of the open road who’ve taken to traveling through New Zealand. These fluorescent larvae live in crevices in rocks, and can be found in large colonies in various caves throughout New Zealand. Waitomo Caves are an excellent example of the glowworms’ habitat, making these caverns famous as New Zealand landmarks. Inside the caves, visitors clamber aboard boats and enjoy a magical journey on an underground river. Truly, taking a trip through that fantastic living world is an experience worth having! of The inky black water below reflects the glowing worms above, and with a little imagination it feels like the boat is drifting through outer space.
But for a brief tour and trip through the underground labyrinth, tourists pay $50 in Kiwi currency per visitor. This is quite expensive for a tour that lasts less than an hour! Is it really necessary to take the tour of the caves if you want to see glowworms? Consider these five tips about the caves and glowworms before you decide to go to Waitomo:
1: Glowworms Are Not Rare
In fact, the glowworms of New Zealand can be found near almost any outcropping of rock or overhanging stone ledge. It takes very little to find them, especially at night, when they glow bright blue. Even in small numbers, they resemble fallen stars hanging from the side of a crumbled hill. In reality, their phosphorescent glow has been cleverly honed to attract insects. When the insect comes near, it becomes entangled in a long string of sticky webbing, so thin as to make it nearly invisible, and the glowworm feeds on its catch. Eventually, the worms transform into winged adults and fly off into the night. Interestingly, the adults are often caught by other glowworms and eaten.
2: There are fantastic places to see glowworms in national parks around New Zealand.
Instead of going to the expensive tours, why not try asking a local where the best place is to see glowworms? There are a few truly incredible sites in many of the national wildlife parks throughout the North Island. One fantastic place, that happens to be very near Waitomo, is called the Mangapohue Natural Bridge. It’s a short walk to this incredible rock bridge, and at night the area is covered with glowworms. Check online for more sites, ask other travelers, or speak to a local. Who knows? In addition to finding a site as good or better than the Waitomo Caves (in addition to being free) you may also make a lifelong friend!
3: Finding off-the-beaten-path glowworms saves you $50 per person
This may not be a huge amount if you travel alone, but the more people you have in your group, the more it adds up. And even if you prefer to travel solo, that $50 could go towards other interesting experiences. Every budget traveler knows the worth of even a mere fifty dollars! Of course, I still highly recommend seeing the glowworms. It’s the experience of a lifetime! But why not do it somewhere you’ll be able to enjoy them for free, and outside of a touring atmosphere?
4: Skipping the tour gives you the added luxury of having as much time as you want to examine the creatures.
One of the downsides of going on a prepackaged tour is that you’re required to stay with the group. The tour guides have a set schedule on which they operate, which restricts your control of your own time. Take Waitomo Caves for example: a cave enthusiast or adventurer could spend hours in those caves, gazing at the glowworms and incredible geologic formations. However, the tours only run for approximately an hour. On the other hand, if you see the glowworms independently, then you’ll be able to spend as long as you want with them.
5: By getting off the beaten path and experiencing the glow worms in your own way, you’ll have had an experience few other travelers have.
Most travelers are under the assumption that the only way to see glowworms in their natural element is by taking a tour. As a result, many travelers share similar stories as far as the New Zealand glowworms are concerned. By experiencing these beautiful creatures in a new and possibly better way, you will have a different experience than the majority of those before you, and the adventure will undoubtedly make a great story.
Glowworms are one unique New Zealand attraction that is worth experiencing. However, instead of paying extra money to see them, why not find them on your own? Not only will you pay less, be in control of how much time you spend in the process, and have them all to yourself, but you’ll also have a truly unique story. You’ll have had an adventure few other travelers share, and you will have seen one of New Zealand’s most interesting and beautiful creatures in the process! If you are up for the adventure, it will definitely be worth it and you should also look into other adventure travel destinations.
1: Glowworms Are Not Rare
In fact, the glowworms of New Zealand can be found near almost any outcropping of rock or overhanging stone ledge. It takes very little to find them, especially at night, when they glow bright blue. Even in small numbers, they resemble fallen stars hanging from the side of a crumbled hill. In reality, their phosphorescent glow has been cleverly honed to attract insects. When the insect comes near, it becomes entangled in a long string of sticky webbing, so thin as to make it nearly invisible, and the glowworm feeds on its catch. Eventually, the worms transform into winged adults and fly off into the night. Interestingly, the adults are often caught by other glowworms and eaten.
2: There are fantastic places to see glowworms in national parks around New Zealand.
Instead of going to the expensive tours, why not try asking a local where the best place is to see glowworms? There are a few truly incredible sites in many of the national wildlife parks throughout the North Island. One fantastic place, that happens to be very near Waitomo, is called the Mangapohue Natural Bridge. It’s a short walk to this incredible rock bridge, and at night the area is covered with glowworms. Check online for more sites, ask other travelers, or speak to a local. Who knows? In addition to finding a site as good or better than the Waitomo Caves (in addition to being free) you may also make a lifelong friend!
3: Finding off-the-beaten-path glowworms saves you $50 per person
This may not be a huge amount if you travel alone, but the more people you have in your group, the more it adds up. And even if you prefer to travel solo, that $50 could go towards other interesting experiences. Every budget traveler knows the worth of even a mere fifty dollars! Of course, I still highly recommend seeing the glowworms. It’s the experience of a lifetime! But why not do it somewhere you’ll be able to enjoy them for free, and outside of a touring atmosphere?
4: Skipping the tour gives you the added luxury of having as much time as you want to examine the creatures.
One of the downsides of going on a prepackaged tour is that you’re required to stay with the group. The tour guides have a set schedule on which they operate, which restricts your control of your own time. Take Waitomo Caves for example: a cave enthusiast or adventurer could spend hours in those caves, gazing at the glowworms and incredible geologic formations. However, the tours only run for approximately an hour. On the other hand, if you see the glowworms independently, then you’ll be able to spend as long as you want with them.
5: By getting off the beaten path and experiencing the glow worms in your own way, you’ll have had an experience few other travelers have.
Most travelers are under the assumption that the only way to see glowworms in their natural element is by taking a tour. As a result, many travelers share similar stories as far as the New Zealand glowworms are concerned. By experiencing these beautiful creatures in a new and possibly better way, you will have a different experience than the majority of those before you, and the adventure will undoubtedly make a great story.
Glowworms are one unique New Zealand attraction that is worth experiencing. However, instead of paying extra money to see them, why not find them on your own? Not only will you pay less, be in control of how much time you spend in the process, and have them all to yourself, but you’ll also have a truly unique story. You’ll have had an adventure few other travelers share, and you will have seen one of New Zealand’s most interesting and beautiful creatures in the process! If you are up for the adventure, it will definitely be worth it and you should also look into other adventure travel destinations.
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