Waitomo Cave, Amazing Unique Attraction in New Zealand

Waitomo is located in central part North Island in New Zealand, below green and fertile countryside. The name Waitomo comes from Maori language which is a native island.

IPHEDIA.com - Waitomo Cave is one unique attractions in New Zealand. There are thousands of lit little creatures that inhabit this cave, displaying beautiful natural blue light for visitors.

In cave there are thousands of Lampyris noctiluca or glowworms glowing like fireflies. The presence of these worms produces a play of light in darkness cave so as to provide an amazing experience for visitors to cave.

Glowworm is a bioluminescent insect that can produce light with its tail. This is actually a chemical reaction between chemicals they produce and oxygen. Glowworms spend most of their lives as larvae the size of matchsticks.

Goa is perfect habitat for glowworms because they usually live in dark and humid environments. Their threads are never dry or damaged because high humidity in cave. The river that runs under yarn is main food supplier for glowworms.

Caves are always monitored to ensure that sparkling creatures have everything they need for their survival. After all, they are reason that so many people visit Waitomo. Travelers who are interested to see it can take a tour by boat to enter cave.

Waitomo is located in central part North Island in New Zealand, below green and fertile countryside. The name Waitomo comes from Maori language which is a native island. "Wai" means water, and "Tomo" means hole in ground.

Discovery cave occurred in late 1800s by the head of Maori Tane Tinorau who was the first person to enter underground miracle. Same entrance that he found 200 years ago is still in use today.

Goa has been open to tourists since 1889. Today, people working in cave are direct descendants head of Tane Tinorau after government returned cave and land to their families in 1989.

Waitomo is not the only amazing cave in this area. Nearby there is another group of limestone caves known as Goa Ruakuri. The large number of limestone formations in both locations dates back 30 million years.

In addition to luminous creatures, Waitomo Cave has attracted people over the past 120 years due to its amazing limestone formations. This limestone cave structure is formed from the bones and shells of ancient marine animals. Over centuries water flowed in widening rock sediments little by little until caves formed.

Caves are full of decorations different types including stalactites and stalagmites. This decoration is a limestone crystal deposit formed from constant water leakage from roof cave. Touching them is strictly prohibited because it can be easily damaged. (as/ip)