If you're a nature buff travelling around New Zealand, then you can't miss this tour of the Kawiti Glowworm Caves. You'll also visit the Hundertwasser Exhibition Centre and Opua Forest. Don't miss it!
Description
On the day of the activity, we'll meet at the Paihia Information Centre at the scheduled time. From there, we'll begin this exciting nature-based tour of the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, the Hundertwasser Exhibition and Opua Forest.
Firstly, we'll make our way to the Glowworm Caves. Once there, we'll have a local Maori guide lead us through underground caverns in search of the famous glow worms, as well as learn how the caves initially came to be uncovered. This tour of the glowworm caves will last around 30 minutes and will follow a wooden boardwalk (with handrails for safety) through a 200-metre-long system of limestone caves.
As we walk through the caves, we'll see thousands of amazing glowworms spread out across the ceiling of the cave's system, which will light up the equally stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Our guide will explain the life cycle of the native New Zealand glowworm and the spider-like webs they use to catch their prey. We'll also get close enough to see the interesting details of the glowworm and its blueish-green tail light.
Next, we'll make our way towards Kawakawa, home of the "Hundertwasser Toilets," one of very few, if not the only, public toilets that is seen as an international work of art. The toilet was designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser in the year 1999 and features the use of recycled materials. While in the area, we won't miss the opportunity to also visit the new Hundertwasser Cultural Centre, which opened on the 22nd of February 2022. The museum houses various pieces also designed by Hundertwasser, as well as local Maori arts and crafts. Before leaving the cultured town of Kawakawa, we'll delight in a fresh cream doughnut. Yum!
Our final destination on this fun-filled trip will be the Opua Forest, home to Kauri trees that have stood on this very land for over 1000 years. Finally, we'll head back to the Wharf, passing by the Waitangi lookout so we can take some unforgettable photos.
After 4 hours, this jam-packed tour will be brought to an end back at the starting point. Mā te wā!
