We took our visiting European relatives to the caves as "seeing glow worms" was high up on their "must-do" list. As we hadn't visited this attraction before, we were anxious that the experience met their expectations. Thankfully we were all delighted with all aspects of our visit. The boardwalk was well constructed, our friendly and considerate guide gave us interesting anecdotes and clear information, and the attraction (stalactites & "mites", plus the busy little glow worms) more than lived upto our expectations.
The Kawiti glow worm caves were a lovely stop on the way from Whangarei to Cape Reinga. Price was reasonable. The caves were pretty and could be even better if you let your imaginary fly. Sometimes you could get so close to the glowing worms you just wanted to grab them, put them in a jar and bring them home (but nah, you shouldn't do that haha). A guide was a very friendly and informative lady, who would share with you a great story of their family-owned business. You can tell from her stories the genuine love for the caves. The 15-min walk through the caves was impressive. The bush walk following it to get back to the reception was relaxing but wasn't very special. Anyhow, it was a satisfying visit and I would recommend you to check it out!
Really fascinating and awesome glow worm caves. A short walk but possibly one of the most remarkable little excursion in whangarei. Worth a visit.
If you are in Bay of Islands, NZ these glow worm caves are well worth the short drive. The caves are privately owned and they are open to the public as an attraction. The caves are not set up with electricity so lantern are used to light the way. You walk on a boardwalk throughout. There are some places that demand extra attention so you don't slip but it is all quite easy. The glow worms are amazing and beautiful to see. There is plenty of time spent with all the lights off while you stand still and gaze at the myriad tiny glowing specks on the cave ceiling. At the far end of the cave you can trek up a fairly strenuous path through beautiful forest with large rocks along the way. If you are not up to the hike the guides will escort you back to the entrance which is much easier.
Kawiti Caves are a definite must-see. Glowworms at Kawiti are easily visible and quite spectacular!The walk-through is pleasant and not too taxing for those not up for a big trek!The guides are very friendly and informative.
For glow worm value, totally beats our Waitomo cattle-car experience. Guided tour led by some guys with lanterns, the glow worm viewing is truly excellent. Very small business, have to walk a good bit to get to the loos.Tour feels short for the steep price, and there's no unattended dawdling allowed inside the dampish (January, after unusually wet season) cavern. But the overland track on the self-paced return journey is magical, tho probably would be hard on those with creaky joints or mobility problems.
Although we have passed the turnoff to these caves many times driving north this was our first visit. It was fascinating and well worth a visit. We took visiting family and everyone enjoyed it. The walk back over the hill from the far end of the cave was interesting but be warned don't wear flip flops. You will have sore calves the next day. It might also be too steep for people with health issues. We would strongly recommend visiting the caves and seeing the awesome glow worms.
The Kawiti Glow Worm Caves are situated about five kms south of Kawakawa and only one km off the main road. They are well maintained and well worth the $20.00 entry fee as everyone is escorted through the Caves by knowledgeable guides who explain details of Maori history and give detailed information about the glow Worms and the Stalactites . This is a small local family operation but well organised and well worth the time it takes to view the caves. The exit through the bush is pleasant but if the weather is rough it is better to return back through the caves as the track is a little steep in places.
$20 pp entry fee made it much more affordable for us than other larger caves. Highly recommend this tour through the cave with more than enough glowworms and stalagmites etc. take a light jacket. It's chilly in the cave.
My wife and I stopped here on our way from Paihia to Auckland and were not disappointed. On our way up, we saw signs for this place and when leaving Paihia, we asked a local what they thought of the Kawiti Caves, and they said it was an even better experience than the more prominent Waitomo Glowworm Caves. While we did not visit Waitomo personally, I can say that we were very satisfied by the Kawiti Caves. The glow worms were absolutely amazing and the kind of thing you can't just see anywhere. I would highly recommend this place.From what I gather, this is a small operation ran by a single family, and they do a great job at it. One thing of note, when we arrived, there was an ongoing tour and thus, no one manning the booth while you pay. There was a little clock saying that they would return for there next tour. Some people left when they saw this, but we waited, and sure enough, they were there around the time the clock said they would.