Excursion Kawiti glowworm caves & kawakawa tour at Waitangi (Bay Of Islands)

Explore this region's geological wonders dating back 300 years and see a multitude of stalactites and stalagmites within limestone caves covered with millions of glow worms at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. Get close enough to see the actual body of the glow worm and its blue/green tail light.

Kawiti Glow Worm Caves

Depart the pier with your driver-guide for a scenic drive into the countryside to the Kawiti Caves, which to this day are still owned by the Kawiti family, whose early founders fought against the British army. Follow your guide along a wooden boardwalk through a 655 foot (200 metre) limestone cave system. As you wonder at the glow worms above, your guide will explain the life cycle of the New Zealand glow worm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) and the intricate webs used to catch their prey (mosquitoes and midges). You will get close enough to see the actual body of the glow worm with its blue/green tail light, before making the return bushwalk walk through a natural corridor of karst rock formations and pristine rainforest. Re-board your coach for the short drive to Kawakawa, the quintessential New Zealand town.

Kawakawa

Next, visit nearby Kawakawa which still has a railway line running down the middle of its main street. However, its claim to fame is its public toilets designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the famed Austrian architect and artist. With a thatched roof and a living tree, gold balls, mosaic tiling and bottle-glass windows all integrated into the structure, the colourful toilets are the unmistakable hallmarks of the Austrian-turned-New Zealand artist. They are without doubt the most photographed toilets in the world.

Re-board your coach for the drive back to the pier, travelling via the scenic village of Paihia.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for a distance of approximately a half mile (1.2 kilometres) over undulating unpaved paths, with approximately 200 steps. Portions of the walk are on steep inclines and can be strenuous. Guests should be in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for guests who suffer from claustrophobia, have limited mobility, or those who utilise a wheelchair. Dress in layers, bring a warm jacket and wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Kawiti Caves, Kawakawa