The Waitomo Glowworm Caves attraction is a
cave at Waitomo on the North Island of New Zealand. It is
known for its population of Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm species
found exclusively in New Zealand. This cave is part of the Waitomo Caves system
that includes the Ruakuri Cave and the Aranui Cave.
The attraction has a modern visitor centre at
the entrance, largely designed in wood. There are organized tours that include
a boat ride under the glowworms.
The most common animals in the caves are insects.
This includes albino cave ants and giant crickets but the
most renowned is the glowworm Arachnocampa luminosa. The adults are around
the size of an average mosquito. However, there are several small underground
lakes that were created by freshwater creeks or brooks which are home to New
Zealand longfin eels.
The walls of the caves are covered with a variety of
fungi including the cave flower (a distant relation to the genus Pleurotus)
that is actually a mushroom-like fungus.
The glowworms of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are
closely guarded by a Scientific Advisory Group. This group has automated
equipment that continually monitors the air quality especially the carbon
dioxide levels, rock and air temperature, and humidity. Data from this
equipment is carefully analyzed by specialist staff. The advisory group uses
the information to establish how the cave should be managed. They determine if
and when air flow patterns should be changed and how many people are allowed to
visit the caves each day.
