Which cave in New Zealand is famous for its glowworms?

The New Zealand cave famous for its glowworms is the Waitomo Caves, especially the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. It is on the North Island, in the Waitomo region of the King Country.

Its star-like ceiling lights are produced by Arachnocampa luminosa, a fungus-gnat species found only in New Zealand. During the larval stage, the glowworms emit blue-green light and hang sticky fishing lines from the cave roof. Flying insects are attracted to the light, become trapped in the threads and are eaten by the larvae.

Māori had long known the area, and Tane Tinorau and Fred Mace explored the cave by raft in 1887. Their journey revealed the Glowworm Grotto. Guided tours now include a quiet boat ride along the underground Waitomo Stream beneath the glowing larvae.

The name Waitomo comes from Māori words meaning “water” and “hole” or “shaft.” Te Anau also has famous glowworm caves, and Ruakuri Cave in the same region contains glowworms, but Waitomo is the standard answer for this well-known New Zealand attraction.