A magical boat ride meandering through glittering caves. Wonderland! I mumbled.
Shimmering with thousands of glow worms, twinkling Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, bewitched me.
On a guided tour to Waitomo Caves, I walked through fascinating caverns. Marvelled at sculpted lime formations. Gazed at incredible stalactites and stalagmites creating an illusionary effect in caves. (Stalactites are long thin pieces of rocks hanging down from roof of cave. Stalagmites are long thin pieces of rocks pointing upwards from floor of cave.)
And then I entered the enchanting world of glow worms. Gliding silently in a small boat, through the waterway. Surrounded by the radiating luminescence of countless native glow worms. Whole feel of glow worms grotto was absolutely intriguing.
The glowing Caves are one of the most popular tourist destination for local and overseas visitors. Underground Waitomo Caves, beneath green meadows, along Waitomo river, were discovered around 120 years back.
While traveling to Waitomo Caves, I was very excited imagining galaxy of living lights. I had researched lot on glowing caves. I knew I was going to have exhilarating experience. And to my delight, all I had been visioning about glowing caves came alive. Apart from fascinating sightseeing, Waitomo Caves were great learning to me, as my guide explained geographical factors behind such unique caves.
Natural wonders of New Zealand are awesome. Another wonder, that thrilled me to the core, was my trip to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
An invigorating long walk through vast verdant stretches. Then a scenic hike amid exotic jungles. Admiring pristine nature. And suddenly I noticed I was perspiring lot. I wondered, “why me sweating profusely in cool weather!”
I shrugged off and continued my walk. Then a troubling sense. I felt intense heat in my body. Something wrong with me? I was anxious. But my spirits were high and I walked further.
Then the mystery unfolded. I was approaching the incredible hot springs in Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The steaming land of New Zealand. I looked around and spotted enormous hot springs. Spectacular view. Entered wooden walkway and closed in. Felt hot, bit unbearable, too. My face turned red. But I chose to stay and let the beauty of magnificent hot springs sink in me. Enthralling experience, I cherished greatly.
Moved ahead on the well marked trail. Looked back to cast a goodbye look at immense springs. And stopped in astonishment, again. I saw several pools of boiling mud. Thrilled, kept gazing at mud bubbles.
Other than fascinating hot springs and mud pools, there are lot of thermal lakes in volcanic region. Many health benefits are claimed in geothermal properties of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Thanks to the supposedly curative powers, to boast of, there are numerous thermal baths in the valley. And luxurious thermal spas, too, in natural settings. Options are plenty. Choose what fits in your budget. Indulge and pamper your body. I tried thermal mud, in little quantity.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Waitomo Caves can be visited from Auckland or Rotorua in a day’s trip, very much like I did. These natural wonders should be in your list of must visit while traveling to New Zealand.
Beauty of nature. nicely written post.
glad to read this post..
Thank you Amisha.
I love going into cave tours. Ours however don’t come with it’s own natural light show, that is amazing and a hot spring as well, is it one that people can get into as well, or is it just for looking at only?
Yes it was more than one hour of inner round of caves.
Oh wow this sounds absolutely amazing, the sound of the caves inside look so beautiful, it looks lovely in your photo but I can only imagine seeing it in person must be such an experience!
Absolutely breathtaking.
WOW. Looks fantastic there. I have had New Zealand on my list for some time and now I am thinking about it even more. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you Fabiola.
I would love to see those caves! Glowing underground has always fascinated me.
Totally fascinating Emily.
Wow! This looks like an amazing trip! It is not what I would have expected at all!
Thank you Amy.
Looks like you had a magical trip. I would love to visit New Zealand one day. Thanks for posting your travels.
Thanks you.
I would love to visit New Zealand some day. I’ve been to caverns and caves before, but never any with glow worms!
This was unique experience for me too even though I had earlier visited many caves.
Beautiful pics! And OMG glow worms!!!
New Zealand has always been on my bucket list. I love lush green places. So beautiful!
Thank you Nik.
The pictures are so beautiful Indu..I love wandering in natural escapades and this one sounds perfect!
Thank you Mily.
Wow! I love the caves created by nature and it always attracts my husband. I will check this for my next trip with my family.
You will love these caves.
absolutely gorgeous place! loved your last photo, and let me just tell you that usually I’m not too keen on day trips – i get tired quickly – but this one looks 100% worth it! 🙂
Yes Maria joy was far greater than the feel of tireness.
This looks absolutely incredible! True nature wonder!
Incredible truly.
The Waitomo cave looks like something that only exists in a fantasy novel! It absolutely looks magical.
Magical truly.
Very nice blog Indu…really appreciable
Thanks.