The Waitomo Caves are a world-famous limestone cave system located on New Zealand’s North Island. These caves were formed over millions of years as water eroded the limestone, creating a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. The history of the Waitomo Caves is closely tied to Maori legends. In Maori, “Waitomo” combines “wai” (water) and “tomo” (entrance), meaning “water flowing into an entrance.”.In the late 19th century, explorers Fred Mace and Chief Tane Tinorau officially explored the cave for the first time. They entered the cave via a raft and discovered the glowworms illuminating the cave ceiling. Today, the Waitomo Caves are best known for these glowworms, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to witness the cave’s enchanting beauty. Inside the caves, thousands of glowworms create a magical, starry-sky effect on the cave ceiling. The cave tours typically involve a boat ride through the cave, where visitors can silently admire the natural wonder