There’s certainly no shortage of natural wonders to explore in New Zealand, from picture-perfect shorelines to incredible glaciers. But one of the country’s most famous attractions is the glowworm caves, illuminated by a sparkling blanket of blue-green hues.
Drifting down the streams of the dark cave systems in Waitomo, visitors are amazed by the bright blues that light up the cave as if sitting under a starry New Zealand night sky. These twinkling lights aren’t stars, though – they’re the radiance of glowworms found only in New Zealand.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are home to Arachnocampa Luminosa, a worm that uses its bioluminescence to attract food while burning off waste products. While the light is purely functional for the glowworm, its brilliance makes for one of the most unique experiences in the natural world.
Guided tours of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a comprehensive history of the caves as you make your way from the upper entrance down into the subterranean cave network. Through the limestone formations, you’ll ride along a stream to reach the darkest depths of the Glowworm Grotto.
And here is where the blue and green twinkles of the glowworms shines brightest.
The glowworms can only live in dark, damp places so their light can be seen. Through the twinkling lights, you may also catch sight of hundreds of icicle-like strings dangling from the ceiling. These are the glowworm’s feeding lines, which work to trap food much like a spider’s web.
The 12,000-year-old cave system is also home to waterfalls and whirlpools, as well as stunning limestone formations.
If you’d like to check out this incredible sight for yourself, tours of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are offered by companies like Real Journeys, Spellbound and Discover Waitomo.
(Main image: donnierayjones)
