Waitomo – New Zealand Getaway

Welcome to Waitomo, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Known for its captivating glowworm caves, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality, Waitomo offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure and tranquility alike.

In this guide, we invite you to explore the wonders of Waitomo through our own journey. From eco-friendly accommodations to thrilling cave tours and scenic walks, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of this enchanting destination.

Enjoy a scenic walk en route to the Waitomo Caves, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscapes. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty on your way to this iconic destination in New Zealand.
Experience the must-see Essential Spellbound Tour, ideal for all ages. Explore captivating sights and enjoy kennel services for your furry friends. A complete adventure package in New Zealand.
Admiring the mesmerizing glow worms in the Waitomo Caves. Witness nature's light show as these bioluminescent creatures illuminate the cave ceiling, creating a magical and unforgettable experience in New Zealand.

Accommodation

Set back in the hills behind Waitomo, our tiny home at Rock Retreat was the perfect place to unwind and soak up the serenity. This eco-friendly and self-sufficient house, powered by solar energy, was equipped with everything we needed, from hot water bottles to homemade yogurt. Positioned high enough, it offered breathtaking views of both the mountains and the limestone vistas below.

Our host, Biddy, ensured our comfort throughout our stay and provided us with the local rundown of things to do. Biddy and her family have created a private walking track through stunning native bush on the farm, known as the Misty Mountain Track. This hour-long round trip features some of New Zealand’s finest bush and a lookout point with views from the valleys to Mount Ruapehu.

Experience our cozy tiny home accommodation in Waitomo. Enjoy a unique and comfortable stay surrounded by nature, with all the amenities you need for a relaxing getaway in New Zealand.
Experience the charm of a tiny home in Waitomo. A cozy and unique accommodation option surrounded by nature, providing a comfortable stay in New Zealand.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast supplied by our accommodation, Rock Retreat. Start your day with a variety of fresh and local ingredients, served in a beautiful setting in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Bianca admiring the breathtaking Marokopa Falls, surrounded by lush greenery. A moment of awe and wonder at one of New Zealand's stunning natural attractions.
xperience the awe-inspiring beauty of walking through an impressive limestone gorge that passes underneath a 17-meter-high natural arch. A breathtaking natural wonder to explore in New Zealand.

Must See

With Waitomo Caves right on the doorstep, there are plenty of adventures to choose from. We opted for the family-friendly Essential Spellbound Tour with our five-month-old. The glowworms lighting up the cave like the Milky Way left us in awe. We also took a scenic drive to Marokopa, a small seaside town, to explore one of New Zealand’s most stunning (and secret) waterfalls, Marokopa Falls. A short distance later, we stopped at Maungapohue Natural Bridge, which was just as spectacular to see.

Waitomo is famous for its extensive underground cave system, with thousands of glowworms lighting up the caves. The Essential Spellbound Tour is a must-see, catering to all ages and offering kennels for your furry friends. For photography enthusiasts, this cave is equipped with tripod mounts at strategic spots. Mangapohue Natural Bridge, a half-hour drive from Waitomo Central, is another highlight not to be missed. Walking through an impressive limestone gorge that passes underneath a 17-meter-high natural arch is truly breathtaking. Marokopa Falls, often described as the most beautiful waterfall in New Zealand, is a quick walk from the car park and easily accessible.

Food

After a day of adventuring, head to the Twelve Tables Bar and Eatery to fill up your stomachs with a hearty meal. This dog-friendly spot allows you to enjoy your meal on the deck in the sun.

After a day of adventuring, unwind at the Twelve Tables Bar and Eatery. Enjoy a hearty meal in this dog-friendly spot, and relax on the deck in the sun. A perfect way to end your day in New Zealand.

Our weekend in Waitomo was truly magical, offering an escape and reconnection with family and friends. We were even lucky enough to have our dog, Bonnie, stay with us too. Rock Retreat provided the perfect base for our adventures, with the Misty Mountain Walk just outside our door, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Positioned high enough to offer breathtaking views of both the mountains and the limestone vistas below. A stunning panorama showcasing the natural beauty of the landscape.
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