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Waitomo is a small village on the New Zealand’s North Island 12 kilometers from Te Kuiti and the large underground system of solutional caves. Most famous are Glowworm caves, a home to rare glow-worms that light up the underground world. The huge Ruakuri Cave has fascinating limestone formations and features several waterfalls.

Other significant caves are Aranui Cave, Ruakuri Cave, and Gardner's Gut. West of the village is Mangapohue Natural Bridge, a limestone arch spanning Mangapohue Stream. Northeast of the village is Otorohanga Kiwi House, which protects several species of the native kiwi bird. The Waitomo Walkway passes through the Waitomo Stream valley, between the Waitomo village and Ruakuri Scenic Reserve.

Waitomo Caves, Waitomo Caves 3977, North Island, New Zealand

Waitomo Caves
© cloud9works/stock.adobe.com

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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