Glow Worm Cave & Puketi Kauri Forest
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Kawiti Glow-worm Caves
Discovered in the early 17th century, the first cave tours were established in the 1950s by Te Tawai Kawiti, the great grandson of the Maori Chief Kawiti who was instrumental in the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. His descendants have followed in his footsteps guiding thousands of visitors through the subterranean networks of stalagmites, stalactites and into caverns with names like the Milky Way, a cavern filled with glow worms that feel so close you could touch them. As you journey through the caves, your guide will explain the glow worm's life cycle and the intricate webs they use to catch their prey. You'll even get close enough to see the actual body of the glow worm and its tail light, before you make the return walk.
Puketi Forest
Massive kauri trees once covered most of the Bay of Islands. Growing over 49 meters (164 feet) high, these mighty giants are now protected in the 15,000 hectare (37,000 acre) Puketi Forest. A guided walk along a boardwalk through the magnificent forest of hardwoods, podocarps and kauri affords you the opportunity to marvel at these imposing trees.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Photography is not allowed in the glow-worm cave.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
The 20-minute drive from the pier takes you south through a quiet countryside dotted with trees and homes.
Points of interest
Glow-worm Caves
Paihia and Surrounds
Schedule
Special Notes
Guests must be able to climb up a few steps unassisted to board the transportation. This tour involves considerable walking, wear comfortable shoes. Guests at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves must negotiate 40 steps. Not recommended for guests with claustrophobia. Photography and video is not permitted in the glow worm grottoes. Travel time from the wharf to the caves is approximately 30 minutes by coach, and from the caves to the forest is about 60 minutes. Please be aware that the order of the tour may vary.
Exceptional Value
Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Kawiti Glow-worm Caves
Discovered in the early 17th century, the first cave tours were established in the 1950s by Te Tawai Kawiti, the great grandson of the Maori Chief Kawiti who was instrumental in the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. His descendants have followed in his footsteps guiding thousands of visitors through the subterranean networks of stalagmites, stalactites and into caverns with names like the Milky Way, a cavern filled with glow worms that feel so close you could touch them. As you journey through the caves, your guide will explain the glow worm's life cycle and the intricate webs they use to catch their prey. You'll even get close enough to see the actual body of the glow worm and its tail light, before you make the return walk.
Puketi Forest
Massive kauri trees once covered most of the Bay of Islands. Growing over 49 meters (164 feet) high, these mighty giants are now protected in the 15,000 hectare (37,000 acre) Puketi Forest. A guided walk along a boardwalk through the magnificent forest of hardwoods, podocarps and kauri affords you the opportunity to marvel at these imposing trees.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Photography is not allowed in the glow-worm cave.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
The 20-minute drive from the pier takes you south through a quiet countryside dotted with trees and homes.
Points of interest
Glow-worm Caves
Paihia and Surrounds
Schedule
Special Notes
Guests must be able to climb up a few steps unassisted to board the transportation. This tour involves considerable walking, wear comfortable shoes. Guests at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves must negotiate 40 steps. Not recommended for guests with claustrophobia. Photography and video is not permitted in the glow worm grottoes. Travel time from the wharf to the caves is approximately 30 minutes by coach, and from the caves to the forest is about 60 minutes. Please be aware that the order of the tour may vary.