The Waitomo Caves in New Zealand are a series of caves that were first explored in 1887 by a Maori Chief in the area together with a British surveyor. The caves sport a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites which are made even more impressive and almost magical because of the presence of the glow-worm, which is a creature that exudes a luminescent light, and which is exclusive to New Zealand.
Although the government took over the exploration expeditions and visits to the cave, it has now been returned to its original owners and is run by the descendants of the Maori Chief who found the caves. The name Waitomo comes from the ancient Maori language meaning water (Wai) and sinkhole (Tomo).
Whilst the Waitomo caves were in itself the only attraction of the area, drawing in a vast number of local as well as foreign visitors, the discovery and development of the Matamata town situated close by, because the set of the much acclaimed Lord of the Rings Trilogy as well as the Hobbit films, has brought in visitors in the millions to the area.
Peter Jackson, Director of the LTR Trilogy and Hobbit chanced upon the sleepy town of Matamata and its lush green countryside with the absence of modern buildings and telecommunication towers and other such modern embellishments, made this location the perfect site for the movie set.
Following the recently released Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey, movie, the town of ‘Hobbiton’ as this area is now called has been left intact together with the many Hobbit holes, the party tree, the mill, the double arched bridge, and the Green Dragon Pub.
Many tour operators offer visitors a one day trip that takes in both the Waitomo caves as well as day in Hobbiton, making it a perfect days’ excursion. Tour groups are offered complimentary refreshment at the Green Dragon Pub and a traditional Maori food picnic near the Waitomo caves.
For those visiting New Zealand and on the lookout for an Auckland Hotel, why not consider the Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City, as it is located in a centrally allowing you to experience the best of New Zealand. Any Hotel Auckland CBD will be able to guide you to a tour that will take you to the Waitomo Caves and Hobbit Movie set.
