Waitomo Glowworm Caves

New Zealand - a beautiful country, proud of its beautiful scenery. However, its main attractions are not only on the surface - it is just as beautiful and underground. Proof of this is the famous Waitomo district, which lies on one of the largest islands of the state. It is famous for the impressive limestone caves that affect themselves, but even more special they make many fireflies that have chosen these underground labyrinths as their home. Thousands of tiny insects emit phosphorescent light, creating a surreal light installations.
Covering a set of glowworms caves have its name - Arachnocampa luminosa. This is the genus of fungus gnats, area of distribution is concentrated exclusively in New Zealand. According to the scientists, its glow they emit mostly from hunger and, the hungrier they are, the brighter their light - so they lure insects into its trap. Other researchers believe that fireflies are quite capable of eating fungi spores easily without needing other foods.

Waitomo Caves includes several caves - Waitomo, Aranui, Gardners and Ruakuri Ghat, famous for its incredible stalagmites and stalactites, and, of course, a large colony of glowing fungus gnats. A huge cluster of fireflies flashing with thousands of bright green and blue pixels, illuminating the cave and creating the illusion of the sky straight into the depths of New Zealand's land. Tiny creatures have one feature - a loud noise or the slightest careless movement scares insects, resulting in flicker disappears and comes complete darkness.

Fireflies Caves - a popular tourist destination, where local guides organize daily excursions are numerous. During the peak winter season, natural attraction visited by an average of about 100 visitors per hour. During underground walk, but the most admiring fascinating illumination in the dark, tell guests a variety of myths and legends about the origin of the unique location and the appearance in it amazing beings. Tours are carried on boats or other water transport, as available land plots in the Waitomo cave complex there - everything is flooded by groundwater. Also easily accessible routes are offered, and extreme sports cavers in the most remote cave complex systems.

Located Waitomo complex near the village of the same name in the North Island, about 12 kilometers north-west of the small town of Te Quito, where the caves just a few minutes away by car. Also popular are walking to the main local attractions.

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