Waitomo Glow Worm Caves were one of our stops while on our Grayline Tour. In fact, it was the first stop off. So after a couple of hours on the coach down through the gorgeous New Zealand countryside. You arrive at this very commercial cave, you are whisked off and straight to get a photo taken (you will get the chance to see this in the shop on the way out).
So you are walked down to the entrance, we had a lovely lady called Doreen as our guide. She warns you immediately, NO PHOTOGRAPHY WHATSOEVER. Not even with the flash off, you will see why when you see what photo package is waiting for you. So anyway, you get walked down being shown the different salt formations, prohibited to touch. Purely because for one cubic cm to form takes around 100 years!
You do feel like you are being rushed through, taken down to an area where you have to lie down and look at the glowworms. Then taken down for the best part of the tour, and certainly why you pay the entry fee for. You have a boat ride, through the glowworm cave part itself. You are wowed with just how many there are. Yes, you are left feeling disorientated. But the sheer sense of wonder is something that will live with you forever.
Before you know it you are being taken out the other side (which used to be the entrance to the cave many years ago). You get dropped off; Doreen disappears back into the cave and your backup going through the shop. Where you are given the option to purchase your photos for what I feel is an extortionate price.
If you fancy seeing these glowworms in all their, glory you can buy your tickets via the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves website. Equally, why not check out their unofficial Facebook.