The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, located just outside the main Waitomo
township on the North Island of New Zealand, is a famous attraction
because of a sizeable population of glowworms that live in the
caves. Glowworms or Arachnocampa luminosa are tiny, bioluminescent
creatures that produce a blue-green light and are found exclusively
in New Zealand.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves were first explored in 1887 by local
Maori Chief Tane Tinorau accompanied by an English surveyor Fred
Mace. Local Maori people knew of the Caves existence, but the
subterranean caverns had never been extensively explored until Fred
and Tane went to investigate. They built a raft of flax stems and
with candles in hand, floated into the cave where the stream goes
underground.
As they entered the caves, they came across the Glowworm Grotto and
were amazed by the twinkling glow coming from the ceiling. As they
travelled further into the cave by poling themselves towards an
embankment, they were also astounded by the limestone
formations.
Jubilant at their discovery, they returned many times to explore
further, and on one independent trip, Chief Tane discovered the
upper level entrance to the cave, which is now the current
entrance. By 1889 Tane Tinorau had opened the cave to tourists.
Tane Tinorau and his wife Huti, started leading groups through the
cave for a small fee. In 1906 the administration of the cave was
taken over by the government. They now receive a percentage of the
cave’s revenue and are involved in the management and development
of the cave.
