3 minute read
ROAD TRIP - A JOURNEY THROUGH WAITOMO
Raglan to Waitomo Caves
Raglan to Kāwhia via Te Papatapu & Kauroa- Kāwhia Rd - 1hr 8min, 52km
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Kāwhia to Waitomo Caves via Te Anga Rd - 1hr 46min, 89km
© AA Traveller 2021
Journey from one coastal township to another. Head southwest from Raglan along SH 23 and turn right at Te Mata Rd. Continue through Makomako before reaching the sleepy but charming seaside town of Kāwhia. Make sure you pack swimwear, even in winter, as Kāwhia’s Ocean Beach boasts a natural hot spring. Take a spade, dig a hollow in the sand and voila! warm water to soak in. Feeling soothed and relaxed, head back to the car to continue the journey along the coast and then inland, on to SH 39 through to Ōtorohanga – for a stop, a wander and a cup of tea – and then on to Waitomo.
Bridal Veil Falls
© Getty Images
WAITOMO CAVES
Jump on a boat that silently glides through a glittering glowworm grotto and discover The Cathedral – the tallest chasm in the collection.
Waitomo Caves
© Discover Waitomo
The Māori word for water is ‘wai’; ‘tomo’ translates to ‘hole into the ground’. That’s a hint as to what can be enjoyed in this part of the country. There are about 300 known caves in the region but the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are the most famous. Subterranean limestone grottoes formed more than 30 million years ago provide a truly amazing experience here. Thrill seekers might want to opt for black-water rafting, abseiling or ziplining excursions, while others will be more than content just to see the many millions of glowworms twinkling on the cave ceiling like constellations of stars. They will be guided through intricate cave systems, complete with stalactites and stalagmites, via underground passageways and across deep, dark waterways in a small boat. Afterward, descend on the new Waitomo Day Spa for a luxury treatment, also located at Waitomo Caves Village.
Ruakuri Cave
© HamiltonWaikato.com
HIGHLIGHTS
KĀWHIA’S HOT WATER BEACH On the other side of the sand dunes at Kāwhia’s Ocean Beach. Best experienced at low tide or two hours either side. Epic at sun set.
KĀWHIA REGIONAL MUSEUM GALLERY Delve into the area’s history. This museum houses traditional Tainui carvings and ancient fossils, as well as a kauri racing whaleboat from the early 1880s.
ŌTOROHANGA Stop here to stretch your legs and for a delightful display of kiwiana icons, including murals, sculptures and carved pou, as well as a large, corrugated iron kiwi.
Ōtorohanga, Kiwiania town
© Peter Burchell
ŌTOROHANGA KIWI HOUSE Easily one of the best places to meet native birds including kiwi and falcons.
KĀWHIA HARBOUR The result of a drowned river valley system, the harbour’s tranquility is due to a large sand bar guarding its entrance.
Omaru Falls, Ōtorohanga
© Getty Images
BLACK ABYSS ADVENTURES Abseil into the Earth’s deepest pockets; zipline past glowworms, see underground waterfalls and tube down pitch-black rivers.
TOP WALKS
MAROKOPA FALLS A little outside of Waitomo is Marokopa Falls. A track lined with native tawa and nīkau forests leads to the viewing platform from where you’ll be rewarded with views of the 30m waterfall. Allow around 20 minutes to complete this walk.
Marokopa Falls, Waikato
© Adobe Stock
MANGAPOHUE NATURAL BRIDGE WALK Located in Waitomo, this 20-minute, 700m-loop walk takes you through an impressive limestone gorge that passes underneath a 17m-high natural arch.
RUAKURI WALK This track reveals beautiful sights by day and by night. After dark,you’ll be treated to a swathe of glowworms along a pathway showcasing forested gorges,a stream and low-slung limestone arches leading to the Ruakuri Bridge platform. Entering a tunnel near the platform, you’ll see stalactites and stalagmites and gushing waterways below. This walk takes about 45 minutes to complete.
NGARUNUI TRACK Access one of the most accessible walking tracks in Raglan from Wainui Road beside the Bryant Home Children’s Bible Camp. Lined with nīkau palms, kawakawa and kōwhai, this coastal track has good views on the way down to the beach.
