Everyone has heard about the Waitomo Caves and their Glowworms, yet most people wouldn’t realise there’s more to explore and see in the Waitomo Caves area.
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If you are travelling around New Zealand, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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Marokopa Falls
With three attractions to visit on this road, I went to the last one first. 30 km up the road from the Waitomo Caves is Marokopa Falls. With an incredible force of water, you can hear these falls a few minutes before you reach them and then you’re impressed with the show that Mother Nature puts on.
It’s an easy walk through the bush that only takes 5-10 minutes to get to the lookout and only a couple of sets of stairs.
It’s well worth the drive and walk.
How to Get Here
Marokopa Falls is a 38-minute drive from Waitomo Caves on Te Anga Road.
Piripiri Cave near Waitomo Caves
A couple of kilometres back towards Waitomo Caves from Marokopa Falls, the Piripiri Cave is another easy track, although there are a lot of stairs in this 5-minute walk.
You come across the cave suddenly when the track seems to end and find the entrance just on your right. There are more stairs down into the darkness, and it is very dark.
Piripiri Cave is a great place to visit as we don’t have that many caves accessible that are free.
How to Get Here
Piripiri Cave is a 37-minute drive from Waitomo Caves on Te Anga Road.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge Waitomo
The last stop on the way back to Waitomo Caves is Mangapohue Natural Bridge.
Another easy walk, this has the bonus of picnic tables, for you to enjoy lunch or a snack.
Once you cross the bridge and turn the corner, you are transported to another world, which the camera does not do justice, as it is so big.
You don’t have to go back the same way as this has a loop track. It cuts through farmland, so please keep to the track, and you will have about three stiles to climb over.
The second half of the track takes about 10 minutes back to the car park but an excellent walk as it’s so different from the trail in.
How to Get Here
Mangapohue Natural Bridge is a half-hour drive from Waitomo Caves on Te Anga Road.
Kiwi House Otorohanga
Just 12 minutes up the road towards Hamilton from the Waitomo Caves, the Kiwi House at Otorohanga is a great place to see New Zealand’s native wildlife up close.
Keeper talks about Kiwi, Kea, Kaka, Kakariki and eels, which happen throughout the day. It’s a small park to walk around, but you can see endangered New Zealand wildlife and walk through a large aviary with birds flying freely. The Kiwi House is a great place for kids to see and learn all about our local wildlife.
How to Get Here
Otorohanga is a 50-minute (57 km) south of Hamilton on State Highway 39. Follow the signs for the wildlife park on Alex Telfer Drive.
Hours
Daily 10 am – 4 pm (last admission 3.25 pm) except Christmas Day.
Prices
- Adults from $24
- Child from 8
- Under 5s free
- Family (2 adults up to 3 children) from $62
The Ed Hillary Walkway in Otorohanga
The Ed Hillary Walkway on the main street of Otorohanga tells the story of New Zealand through the ages.
History of New Zealand, who invented the Pavlova, inventions, and so much Kiwiana, it’s a great place to learn or reminisce about what New Zealand looked like in years gone by.
How to Get Here
The Ed Hillary Walkway is in the heart of Otorohanga’s main street and shops.
Bridal Veil Falls
A bit further afield is Bridal Veil Falls. One of the highlights in the area, Bridal Veil Falls is under an hour and a half drive from the Waitomo Caves, and I had to include them in this blog.
With three lookouts, there is something for everyone. The first lookout is on the top of the falls looking straight down. The second is just a bit further along, just before you start going down to the base of the falls.
You need to take the 300 steps down to the base of the falls, there is a rest stop halfway down with another view of the falls.
Once you are at the bottom of the stairs, you have one of the best views of the falls. Remember, you have all the stairs to get back up.
How to Get Here
Bridal Veil Falls is a 45-minute (50 km) drive west of Hamilton on State Highway 23. The turnoff is on Te Mata Road, before Raglan, then Kawhia Road leads to the car park and walk.
While you’re in the area you can check out Raglan, New Zealand’s surfing capital. Known for its left-hand break, Raglan is a great seaside town to spend an afternoon, especially on a fine day.
Where I Stayed
Juno Hall in Waitomo is where I stayed to explore this amazing area.
Set amongst the beautiful bush, it’s a great base for exploring the Caves and all the other natural attractions in the area.
Once again you have private rooms or multi-share dorms with shared bathrooms and kitchen and a large dining/lounge with fire for those winter nights.
Facilities
- Fully equipped Kitchen with Communal Dining and Lounge Room.
- Free Wifi
- Swimming Pool
- Outdoor area with BBQ
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Recycling Stations
- Breakfast Items for Sale
- Luggage Storage Options
- Hair Dryers
- Bicycle Storage
- Travel and Activity Bookings
- Drying Room
How To Get Here
Juno Hall is at 600 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves, right in the heart of Cave Country.
Conclusion
The Waitomo Caves region is a great place to see more than the caves. Most tourists wouldn’t get past the Waitomo Caves, but if you are interested in waterfalls and being in nature, then this area is a must-do place to visit.
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Links
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What a lovely hike! The walkway looks fun with the lush green canopy above. And those waterfalls! Beautiful!
Thanks Megan. It really was great to get out in nature and see areas that I think only locals get to see.
I’m constantly amazed at the beauty of New Zealand! Definitely have to get there one day!
Thanks Gabby. I hope you do get there one day. It’s amazing that it’s all just off the side of the road, you just have to know where to look.
We didn’t visit here on our trip. It looks lovely and if we ever return, we would go.
It’s certainly a place I would return to Karen. I didn’t do any of the Waitomo Caves this time around although I have when I was younger so maybe next time I will.
Really enjoyed looking and reading this blog I think I’ve been to the caves the waterfalls are beautiful and your photos are the best thank you for sharing it with me it was the best
Thanks Kathy, I really appreciate your comments.