SASS Nature Series #7: Waitomo Caves

Don’t miss SASS’s second-to-last trip for the semester – this time to the magnificent Waitomo Caves!! Formed when the region was under the ocean about 30 million years ago, these caves contain a labyrinth of stunning chambers and cathedrals made from limestone. They are also home to a vast population of Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm species found only in New Zealand. The glowworms create a twinkling visual wonderland that will stay rooted in your memory for years afterwards. The Caves bear a Maori name that comes from the word “wai” (water) and “tomo” (aperture in the ground), and their exploration by English surveyors in the 1880s has resulted in an absolutely unique attraction that thousands of visitors flock to enjoy every year. Come and discover the real underworld of New Zealand!

In addition to the Waitomo Caves, your day with SASS will include a visit to the majestic Marokopa Falls, along with a walk underneath the quirky Mangapohue Natural Bridge. As a bonus, SASS will provide some kiwi-themed snacks!

We have two ticket types on offer, and you will see glowworms on both tours:

1) Waitomo Caves AND Ruakuri Cave Combo Tour (5 tickets available – $120 each):

Admire thousands of glittering glowworms and delicate limestone formations in TWO of the region’s most famous caves. Cruise beneath a ceiling of living lights in a world-renowned boat ride through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and then walk through the serene ambiance of the Ruakuri Cave. Tour guides bring the cave to life through storytelling about the Caves’ human history and geology.

2) Black Labyrinth Water-Rafting Adventure (6 tickets available – $160 each):

The ultimate Waitomo Caves experience. Float down an underground river within the Ruakuri Cave as part of New Zealand’s original black-water-rafting experience. Accompanied by a professional guide, enjoy an exhilarating adventure of weaving, jumping, climbing, and floating. Get up close and personal with thousands of glowworms and some beautiful limestone formations!

Will you get wet? Yes. Will you get cold? No! Wetsuits are provided, and water temperature is stable in the Caves all year round, so it will feel the same as going in summer. Warm soup and bagels are also provided at the end of the tour! Please note that you need to be comfortable in the water, but you do not need to be a good swimmer, since you will float on a tube.

How much would this trip cost if you were to do it on your own???

Cave Tour = normally $129 per person

Black Labyrinth = normally $147 per person

InterCity bus (Auckland to Waitomo Caves) = $102

InterCity bus (Waitomo Caves to Auckland) = $102

Total = $333 (Cave Tour) or $351 (Black Labyrinth), not to mention the extras like the Marokopa Falls, Mangapohue Natural Bridge, and snacks that SASS will add into the day! Travelling by SASS minibus saves you a fortune!