Waitomo Education Service
Contact Us: Ph: +64 7 878 7642 Fax: +64 7 878 6184 Address: Counter Delivery 3, Waitomo Caves Post Centre, Waitomo 3943, New Zealand Email: education@waitomodiscovery.org
WAITOMO - A CONTEXT FOR LEARNING
Above Ground Adventure Activities
Below Ground Adventure Activities
WALKWAYS and DEPARTMENT of CONSERVATION RESERVES
Dundle Hill Walk: A two day
walk (27 km) through lush native bush, unique limestone formations, caves,
forestry and farmland. Overnight accommodation is provided at the Kay's
Cabin, situated halfway on the walk with generous accommodation for 38
people. An ideal opportunity to study a the 'Living World' and an excellent
example of conservation and management of a water catchment area. An ideal
class tramp.
Click here for further information
Ruakuri Walkway:
The Ruakuri carpark
is 3 kilometres from
the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre and is signposted off Tumutumu
Road. There is a well-constructed track which passes through picturesque rain forest and
limestone landscape with excellent views of the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, a remnant cave.
See cave weta during the day and glowworms at night. Pupil/adult ratio in keeping with
school requirements. Picnic tables and toilets at start of walk. Maps available from
Waitomo Education Service.
Waitomo Walkway: This easy grade, 5 kilometre walk starts from the Waitomo Village. The
walk follows the Waitomo stream over open farmland and through bush with some short steep
sections. Follow marker posts and use stiles where provided. See karren (water sculptured
limestone rocks), dolines (limestone depressions) and kahikatea before arriving at the
Ruakuri walkway. Allow 3 hours return. Pupil/adult ratio in keeping with school
requirements. Picnic tables and toilets at start of walk. Maps available from Waitomo
Education Service.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge:
Situated
26 kilometres from Waitomo on the Waitomo Caves - Te Anga Road. The track follows
Mangapohue stream to a double limestone arch, formerly part of a cave system. See
phototrophic stalactites (growing towards light) before descending to farmland where there
are oyster fossils in limestone outcrops and karren in the swamp. Allow 25 minutes return.
Pupil/adult ratio in keeping with school requirements. Picnic tables and toilets at start
of walk. Maps and guide books available from Waitomo Education Service.
Piripiri Cave: Situated 30
kilometres from Waitomo on the Waitomo Caves - Te Anga Road. This cave is self guided.
Bring a torch and wear old clothing as the cave is muddy in parts. Walk past karren and
into the cave to view oyster fossils. Allow 25 minutes return. Pupil/adult ratio in
keeping with school requirements. Picnic tables and toilets at start of walk. Maps and
guide books available from Waitomo Education Service.
Marokopa Falls:
Situated 31
kilometres from Waitomo on the Waitomo Caves - Te Anga Road. Follow
track to base of falls.
Allow 30 minutes return. Pupil/adult ratio in keeping with school requirements. Picnic
tables and toilets at start of walk. Maps and guide books available from
Waitomo Education Service.
email us at: education@waitomodiscovery.org 04/05/2010