Everyone has heard about the Waitomo Caves and their Glowworms, yet most people don’t realise there’s more to explore and see in the area. There are more than five natural attractions near the Waitomo Caves that are worth a visit if you’re in the area.
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Contents
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 Mother Nature’s show.
It’s an easy walk through the bush, taking 5-10 minutes to reach 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 this 5-minute walk has many stairs.
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 there are not many free caves in this area.
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 to, as it is so big.
You don’t have to go back the same way, as this trail has a loop. It cuts through farmland, so please keep to the track. You will have about three stiles to climb over.
The second half of the track takes about 10 minutes to return to the car park, but it’s an excellent walk, as it’s pretty different from the trail in.
How to Get Here
Mangapohue Natural Bridge is a 30-minute drive from Waitomo Caves, located on Te Anga Road.
Kiwi House Otorohanga
Just 12 minutes up the road from Hamilton towards the Waitomo Caves, the Kiwi House in Otorohanga is a great place to see New Zealand’s native wildlife up close.
Keeper talks about Kiwi, Kea, Kaka, Kakariki, and eels, which can be seen throughout the day. It’s a small park to walk around, but you can see endangered New Zealand wildlife and stroll through an immense aviary where birds fly 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 50 minutes (57 km) south of Hamilton on State Highway 39. Follow the signs for the wildlife park on Alex Telfer Drive.
Hours
Daily 9 am – 5 pm (last admission 4.15 pm) except Christmas Day.
Prices
To find the prices when you visit, click here.
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.
Take a walk down this lane and discover the unique history of New Zealand, including the invention of the Pavlova, notable inventions, and a wealth of 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’s 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 situated at the top of the falls, offering a direct view 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 located on Te Mata Road, before Raglan. From there, Kawhia Road leads to the car park and walking area.
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 the area’s other natural attractions.
Once again, you have private rooms or multi-share dorms with shared bathrooms, a huge kitchen and a large dining/lounge with a 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 venture past the Waitomo Caves, but if you’re interested in waterfalls and nature, this area is a must-visit destination.
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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them on the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.
Travel Resources
- Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
- Car Hire— In New Zealand, you can use Apex Car Rentals New Zealand, Avis New Zealand or Budget New Zealand for all your travelling and exploring needs.
- Camper & RV Rentals—Want a quieter pace exploring Australia and New Zealand in your own accommodation? Jucy Rentals and Star RV Rentals will give you an unforgettable experience travelling.
- Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
- Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting is a great way to save on accommodation, and Trusted Housesitters offers house sittings worldwide.
- Photo Editing is a great way to bring your photos to life, and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
- Power Stations—Bluetti and EcoFlow Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.
- For more tips, try my Travel Links and Resources page.
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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.