Waitomo Glow Worm Caves New Zealand

#Waitomo_GlowWorms_NewZealand

After finishing up my time on the R. Tucker Thompson Tall Ship (read my story on terrykeystravel.blogspot.com) i was told about an inland body of water i should explore by boat

Always intrigued and looking for the odd (funny when you think different....the different finds you 😂)
I thus ended up at the Waitomo Caves

The caves had been known to the local Maori people for sometime but they did not realize the full extent of its system

In 1887 the local Maori Chief  Tane Tinorau and British surveyor Fred Mace ventured into the grotto with a handmade raft plus candles for light
After this, the caves were opened to the public in 1889 and became a very popular destination

The site was run by the Government from 1904 until 1989 when rightfully it was returned to the descendants of Tane Tinorau
Thus highlighting the importance of respecting the cultural heritage of the area

As you enter the caves you have options; take a boat tour, walk the grotto system or even try blackwater rafting (which is the navigating of the subterranean river)

The name Waitomo comes from the Maori words Wai (water) and Tomo (hole or shaft)
Some other interesting facts;

1) The glowworms are not worms, but the larval stage of a fungus gnat which is a type of fly
2) The glow is produced through a chemical reaction in the tail using an enzyme called luciferase
3) Unlike most fungus gnats these glowworms are carnivorous and trap their food by using a sticky silk thread
4) The caves are made of limestone formed millions of years ago from ancient seashells, coral and fish skeletons
5) Rainwater (which is slightly acidic) dissolved the limestone over the years creating the grotto plus its stalactites and stalagmites

These glowworms (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is a species only found in New Zealand.

They attract their prey with the bioluminescent light and are also known to engage in cannibalism adding another level to its life cycle
During the larval stage (during the glowing) the lifespan is up to one year, after that step during the adult phase time is short, females have 76 hours and males a bit longer at 96 hours

Besides the beauty, the Glowworms are extremely useful in the New Zealand ecosystem as they help control the insect populations

The caves are divided into two levels; the upper which is dry for the walking tours
 then as you see the lower section that is filled with water

Some parts of the cave is considered sacred as it was a space used for burials, plus with a tradition of washing your hands in the water to cleanse oneself internally before leaving

After taking on the mighty Pacific Ocean on a Tall Ship (via Bay of Islands) then the waters of Waitomo my job is done here jajajaja

Time to move onto the next adventure