Waiomio Glow Worm Caves

We weren’t allowed to take pictures inside but this is Stacy entering the cave and on the hike out.

Located right in the heart of the Waiomio Valley, the Waiomio Glowworm Caves are home to thousands of luminous glow worms, breath taking rock formations and lush green rainforest. However, this particular cave’s history was even more interesting…

The Waiomio Glowworm Caves (formerly Kawiti Caves) were discovered in the early 17th century by Roku. Hineamaru, famous cheiftainess of the Ngati hine Tribe arrived at Waiomio with her aged father, Torongare and her brothers.

Exploring the valley, she discovered trodden Tawa berries which made her curious. No member of her party had come this way. Later she smelt smoke which seemed to come from a nearby hill. She went forward and found that the smoke was coming from a cave. 20 metres in from the entrance she came upon a woman sitting by a fire. Hineamaru learned that she was Roku, runaway wife of Haumoewarangi of the Tribe Ngatitu.

Today, the Waiomio Glowworm Caves are owned and operated by the Kawiti Family, direct descendants of the chieftaness Hineamaru of the Ngati Hine TribeRead more