New Zealand’s "Glowworm Caves" Glow Blue-Green—No Flashlight Needed Underground

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

In Waitomo, a town on New Zealand’s North Island, there is a mysterious cave inhabited by a large number of glowworms. Their blue-green bioluminescence illuminates the entire underground space, so visitors can explore without needing torches or flashlights.

% (Image description: People making lanterns and dancing joyfully during a vibrant night fair. The atmosphere is lively without any sign of dullness. Photo / Courtesy of HuffPost)

The glowing creatures in Waitomo’s "Glowworm Caves" are a New Zealand endemic species called Arachnocampa luminosa. The cave was first discovered in 1887. Although local Māori had long known of its existence, it wasn’t until British researcher Fred Mace led an expedition that the cave was fully explored.

They paddled into the cave on rafts lashed together with flax, holding candles as they floated along the water. Upon entering, they were stunned by the glow emanating from the cave ceiling. After multiple explorations, they finally found an upper opening—the main entrance used by modern tourists. In 1889, the "Glowworm Caves" officially opened to the public.