The post we've all been waiting for...the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves! We've all seen the pictures on Facebook and shared them with our friends pretending to go one day...But, unlike the Flamingo Beach in Aruba or France's Wine Theme Park, I can say I actually ventured through the extraordinary ~Waitomo Glow Worm Caves~!!!
We weren't allowed to take any pictures, but I managed to snap a few before entering the caves. :)(: Traveling Tip #20: Even if it says no pictures, find areas you can take pictures to remember (and then Google for the rest).
I was extremely blown away by the knowledge and history behind the caves. Expecting a full-blown tourist attraction, we were greeted at the entrance by Māori workers and escorted to the cave and guided by a descendent of the famous "Uncle Tane Tinorau and Uncle Fred Mace" who first discovered these glowworm caves in 1887.
Prior to entering, I learned there are over 3,000 descendants of these two, English surveyor Tane and Māori Chief Fred Mace. The guide explained the cave is composed of pure limestone. Within the cave in a Cathedral where Māori can get married, baptized, sing, and perform. As we were leaving this area, another tour group came in behind us and began singing a song...we thought it was either a cult or high school choir...the pitch and echo was absolutely beautiful despite the uncodable hymn they were singing.
(like I said, I could take pictures, but here are a few from the internet)
As the first tour of the day, the glow worms were still lit from last night. The guide compared the life cycle of a glow worm to a mosquito. Not easily recalling the life cycle of a mosquito (sorry high school and college bio teachers), I was interested in understanding where the guide was going with this...but here's a quick refresher:
egg --> larva --> pupa --> adult --> die
However, between when a glow worm is an adult and about to die, they're trying to find a mate. But, some are just strong independent glow women and don't need no man so they fall into the water and die. So why does this matter and what does the glowing?!
It's the worm's bowel movements that glow. Their poop. When they gotta go, they gotta go; their digestive system can control when their intestines light up and glow...doesn't that make you glad you're not a glow worm and letting the world know when ya gotta go?
In the end, the tour was about:
35 minute walking cave tour (including where the glowworms catch insects, the Cathedral, the 'black hole', and other fascinating underground views)
5 minute boat cave tour (silent and on a boat steered by the guide pulling on a rope)
10 minutes in the gift shop / restaurant exploring all the souvenirs and treats!
Traveling Tip #21: Look up reviews on TripAdvisor and other resources to make sure your tour is GOOD.
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