Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9
Kiwi Paka
B2
12
YHA Juno Hall Waitomo
D2
Eating
13
Florence's Kitchen
B1
14
Huhu
B1
Morepork Cafe
(see 9)
Drinking & Nightlife
King Country Brewing Company
(see 13)
Sights
Waitomo Caves
Visitor Centre
VISITOR CENTRE
( 0800 456 922;
www.waitomo.com
;
Waitomo Caves Rd; 9am-5pm)
The big-three
Waitomo Caves are all operated by the same company, based at the flash Waitomo Caves
Visitor Centre (behind the Glowworm Cave), which incorporates a cafe and theatre. Vari-
ous combo deals are available, including a Triple Cave Combo (adult/child $91/40). Try
to avoid the large tour groups, most of which arrive between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
GLOWWORM MAGIC
Glowworms are the larvae of the fungus gnat. The larva glowworm has lumines-
cent organs that produce a soft, greenish light. Living in a sort of hammock sus-
pended from an overhang, it weaves sticky threads that trail down and catch un-
wary insects attracted by its light. When an insect flies towards the light it gets
stuck in the threads - the glowworm just has to reel it in for a feed.
The larval stage lasts from six to nine months, depending on how much food the
glowworm gets. When it has grown to about the size of a matchstick, it goes into a
