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Bay of Islands Shore Excursion: Glowworm Caves Express
2 h
About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Paihia Harbour, Paihia New Zealand
Starting at the Paihia wharf, our journey takes us on the bush lined road over the hill to Waiomio. Along the way we pass scenic beaches and sheltered inlets.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Kawiti Caves, 49 Waiomio Road, Kawakawa 0210 New Zealand
Enjoy a 30 minute guided tour of the historic cave - still family owned and operated by descendants of great Maori chief Kawiti.
Walking on custom-built boardwalks for much of the tour, you will be able to admire striking cave formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. And of course you will see thousands of the 'stars' of the show - the glowworms.
New Zealand glowworms (arachnocampa luminosa) are actually the larval stage of a type of fungus gnat. They have evolved a unique way of catching their dinner by building a sticky 'fishing line' which they dangle from the top of the cave. At the top of the line the glowworms use bioluminescence to attract other flying insects towards a glowing light and hopefully snare their dinner. The luminous larvae number in their thousands and form a stunning night sky stretching throughout much of the cave.
Duration: 1 hour
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Show less
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Paihia Harbour, Paihia New Zealand
Starting at the Paihia wharf, our journey takes us on the bush lined road over the hill to Waiomio. Along the way we pass scenic beaches and sheltered inlets.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Kawiti Caves, 49 Waiomio Road, Kawakawa 0210 New Zealand
Enjoy a 30 minute guided tour of the historic cave - still family owned and operated by descendants of great Maori chief Kawiti.
Walking on custom-built boardwalks for much of the tour, you will be able to admire striking cave formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. And of course you will see thousands of the 'stars' of the show - the glowworms.
New Zealand glowworms (arachnocampa luminosa) are actually the larval stage of a type of fungus gnat. They have evolved a unique way of catching their dinner by building a sticky 'fishing line' which they dangle from the top of the cave. At the top of the line the glowworms use bioluminescence to attract other flying insects towards a glowing light and hopefully snare their dinner. The luminous larvae number in their thousands and form a stunning night sky stretching throughout much of the cave.
Duration: 1 hour
Included
- Entry to Kawiti Glowworm Caves
- Professional and knowledgeable driver/guide
- Drop off at tender wharf
- Entry/Admission - Kawiti Caves
Not included
- Any food or drink
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Unfortunately the caves have no disability friendly options
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers
Features
Tourism
100%
Cultural
65%
Aquatic
40%
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