Waitomo Caves Museum
About This Museum
Tucked just a stone's throw from the famous glowworm grottoes, the Waitomo Caves Museum is where curiosity about the underworld truly begins. Visitors duck in here to make sense of the incredible darkness they've just experienced, piecing together the geology and history that shaped the labyrinth below. Itβs a wonderfully humble place, packed with old caving equipment that tells tales of early explorers who navigated these passages with little more than candlelight. You leave not just with a souvenir, but with a real appreciation for the daring spirit of caving.
Collection Highlights
The museum shines a light on the region's pioneering cavers, displaying their rugged hemp ropes, vintage helmets, and fascinating survey maps. One of the most compelling exhibits details the 1987 rescue of an injured caver from the labyrinthine Nettlebed system, a story of incredible endurance.
Visitor Information
It's conveniently located on Waitomo Village Road, right near the main cave tour departures. Pop in before your tour for context or after to answer all your questions; their friendly staff are a wealth of knowledge.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is an unassuming, rustic structure that feels more like a local hall than a formal institution, blending quietly into its lush green surroundings.
Contact & Location
Address: Waitomo Museum of Caves, 21, Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves, Waitomo District, Waikato, 3977, New Zealand / Aotearoa
Phone: +64 7 878 7640
Website: Visit Website
