Glowworms in Nikau Cave. © Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

Go on an underground adventure at Nikau Cave

TAP FOR MORE INFO:

Head deep into the countryside at the northern edge of the Waikato, and you’ll discover one of the prettiest glowworm caves in New Zealand. 

Nikau Cave is nestled in the remote and rural Waikaretu Valley. 

Take a guided tour through a subterranean wonderland of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, giant pillars, fine straws, flowing shawls and rocks as big as houses. 

With narrow rock passages to crawl through and an underground stream where you will undoubtedly get wet, exploring Nikau Cave is an adventure.

But getting wet and muddy is worth it when you find Nikau Cave’s main, cathedral-like cavern adorned with a galaxy of twinkling glowworms.

For those who’d rather stay above ground, there are a selection of beautiful walking tracks that take in the native bush and a tumbling waterfall.  



Explore more…

More stories like this

Find out more

Free things to do

Find gold-mining heritage in the Waikato

Explore the remnants of gold-mining history in the Waiorongomai Valley on the outskirts of Waikato’s Te Aroha.  Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Things to do

Discover New Zealand’s most beautiful waterfall in Waitomo

In the heart of the Waitomo District, you’ll find Marokopa Falls – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand.  Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Activities

Hit the race track at Hampton Downs

Unleash your inner racer on the go-kart track at Hampton Downs in Waikato Read the story . . .