Waitangi: Kawiti Glow Worm Cave & Opua Kauri Forest Walk

Waitangi, located in the stunning Bay of Islands region of New Zealand, is home to a captivating natural wonder – the Kawiti Glowworm Cave. This magical underground world, where thousands of luminescent creatures cast an ethereal glow, is just the beginning of an immersive adventure. Combined with a serene walk through the ancient Opua Kauri Forest, this tour promises to transport visitors to a realm of natural beauty and cultural richness. As you delve deeper into the tour’s itinerary, the true allure of this enchanting destination becomes increasingly evident, beckoning you to uncover its many wonders.

Key Points

• The tour covers the Bay of Islands region, including the Kawiti Glowworm Cave and Opua Kauri Forest, with a duration of 4 hours.
• The tour price is NZ$3,138 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The itinerary includes a 30-minute guided walk through the Kawiti Glowworm Cave and a 45-minute guided walk through the Opua Kauri Forest.
• The tour provides a cultural experience with a visit to the internationally recognized Hundertwasser Toilets.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain, and a minimum number of participants is required for the tour to proceed.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This Waitangi tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of the Bay of Islands region, including the captivating Kawiti Glowworm Cave and the ancient Opua Kauri Forest.

Priced at NZ$3,138 per person, the 4-hour tour is conducted in English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can conveniently reserve their spot and pay later.

The guided experience includes a 30-minute walk through the 200-meter limestone cave system to marvel at thousands of glowworms, as well as a 45-minute stroll through the Opua Kauri Forest to admire the towering, 1000-year-old trees.

Transportation is provided via a 12-seater, air-conditioned minibus, with drop-off locations at the Bay of Islands Yacht Club or Waitangi Wharf.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at either the 69 Marsden Road location of the Bay of Islands Yacht Club, or the Waitangi Wharf (on cruise ship days) and the Paihia i-Site (on other days), where guests will board a 12-seater, dual air-conditioned minibus for their guided journey.

The first stop is the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, where visitors will embark on a 30-minute guided walk through a 200-meter limestone cave system, marveling at the thousands of glowworms, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Next, they’ll visit the internationally recognized Hundertwasser Toilets for a 40-minute cultural experience.

The final leg of the tour is a 45-minute guided walk through the Opua Kauri Forest, where guests can admire the 1000-year-old Kauri trees.

At the end, the minibus will drop guests off at either the Bay of Islands Yacht Club or the Waitangi Wharf.

Starting Locations

Guests can begin the tour from either the 69 Marsden Road location of the Bay of Islands Yacht Club or the Waitangi Wharf (on cruise ship days) and the Paihia i-Site (on other days).

The starting point depends on whether a cruise ship is docked at Waitangi Wharf on the day of the tour. If a cruise ship is present, the tour will depart from the wharf. Otherwise, the tour will begin at the Paihia i-Site.

Regardless of the starting location, guests will be transported throughout the tour in a 12-seater dual air-conditioned minibus, which will drop them off at either the Bay of Islands Yacht Club or the Waitangi Wharf at the end of the excursion.

Guided Tour

Exploring the Kawiti Glowworm Caves entails a 30-minute guided walk through a 200-meter limestone cave system, where visitors witness thousands of glowworms illuminating the natural stalactites and stalagmites.

Following this, the tour progresses to the internationally recognized Hundertwasser Toilets for a 40-minute visit, allowing guests to appreciate the Maori arts and crafts showcased at the cultural center.

The experience culminates with a 45-minute guided walk through the Opua Kauri Forest, where the towering, 1000-year-old Kauri trees stand as a testament to the region’s natural wonders.

Throughout the tour, visitors gain insights into the Maori culture and local history, making for a truly immersive and educational experience.

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Highlights and Experiences

Thousands of glowworms illuminate the natural limestone formations as visitors explore the Kawiti Glowworm Cave, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the region’s captivating underground world.

Following this, guests can marvel at the vibrant Hundertwasser Toilets, a unique and internationally renowned public art installation showcasing Maori arts and crafts.

The tour culminates with a guided walk through the ancient, 1000-year-old Kauri trees of the Opua Kauri Forest, immersing visitors in the area’s rich natural heritage and providing opportunities to learn about Maori culture and local history.

Throughout the experience, participants can expect to gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse natural and cultural wonders that make this region so remarkable.

Important Information

Visitors meet at the end of the jetty where they disembark from the tender, as this is the designated starting point for the tour.

Warm layers are recommended, as the caves can be cool. However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the terrain. It’s important to note that minimum numbers are required for the tour to proceed.

The tour includes a guided 30-minute walk through a 200-meter limestone cave system, showcasing thousands of glowworms, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Guests will also visit the internationally recognized Hundertwasser Toilets for a 40-minute exploration, followed by a 45-minute guided walk through the Opua Kauri Forest, home to 1000-year-old trees.

The tour is conducted in English and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Customer Reviews

The tour received an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 36 customer reviews, with particularly high marks for the knowledgeable guides and efficient transportation.

Reviewers praised the tour’s friendly and informative guides, who brought the history and culture of the region to life.

The transportation, provided by a 12-seater air-conditioned minibus, also earned positive feedback for its comfort and reliability.

However, some customers noted occasional issues with the audio equipment, and a few mentioned that the group sizes could be quite large.

The Waitangi: Kawiti Glow Worm Cave & Opua Kauri Forest Walk tour offers a memorable and immersive experience for visitors to the Bay of Islands.

• Knowledgeable and friendly guides

• Comfortable and reliable transportation

• Occasional audio issues and large group sizes

Additional Information

Along With the well-received tour guides and transportation, the Waitangi: Kawiti Glow Worm Cave & Opua Kauri Forest Walk offers several other noteworthy features to enhance the overall experience.

The tour’s starting locations provide convenient access, with options to depart from the Bay of Islands Yacht Club, the Waitangi Wharf on cruise ship days, or the Paihia i-Site on other days.

While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, it’s designed to be accessible to most visitors.

Plus, the minimum group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

Lastly, the tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility and peace of mind, allowing guests to book their spot and pay later.

Recap

The Waitangi tour offers an enchanting blend of natural wonders and culture.

Visitors can marvel at the glowing splendor of the Kawiti Glowworm Cave, then explore the serene Opua Kauri Forest, all while learning about Maori heritage.

This comprehensive experience promises an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the captivating beauty and rich cultural tapestry of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: