3 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey through Waitomo
Raglan to Kāwhia via Te Papatapu & Kauroa- Kāwhia Rd - 1hr 8min, 52km
Kāwhia to Waitomo Caves via Te Anga Rd - 1hr 46min, 89km
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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.
Ruakuri bush walk
Discover Waitomo
ENCHANTING CAVES
Glowworms in 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.
Choose the latter and you 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.
Watching the glowworms in Waitomo Caves
HamiltonWaikato.com
HIGHLIGHTS
KĀWHIA’S HOT WATER BEACH
On the other side of the sand dunes at Kāwhia’s Ocean Beach is a hidden gem. Best experienced at low tide, you find your spot and dig until, magically, hot water bubbles up from below. You let the hot water mix with the tide and you have a free, natural spa. Lie back and gaze across a stretch of black-sand beach and crashing waves.
Kāwhia's Ocean Beach
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KĀWHIA REGIONAL MUSEUM GALLERY
For a deeper insight into the area’s history, a visit to this Kāwhia museum and gallery reveals old photographs and publications, traditional Tainui carvings and ancient fossils. A kauri racing whaleboat from the early 1880s is also on display.
ŌTOROHANGA
Stop here to stretch your legs and be rewarded with a delightful display of all things Kiwi. From Buzzy Bees to jandals and pav, there’s a cute reference at every opportunity, all over town. Another highlight here is the Kiwi House and Native Bird Park.
TOP WALKS
1. 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.
2. OPAPAKA PĀ WALK - Walking this track is an evocative experience a sit alludes to part of New Zealand history with remnants of trenches and defensive structures used in battle by the Ngāti Hia tribe in the 1700s. And, through clearings in the beautiful native forest, a former Māori pā is visible on the skyline.
Marokopa Falls, Waikato
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3. 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 30-metre waterfall. Allow around 20 minutes to complete this walk.
