Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves – New Zealand's attraction, which is very popular among tourists. It is located near the city of Te Quichi on the North Island. Vaitomo Caves occupy 14th place among 101 best tourist sites throughout New Zealand.
If the name of the cave is translated into Russian, it will become clear that this word consists of two, which means water and a funnel, which implies that a river flows in the underground part of Vaitomo. But the peculiarity of this world attraction is that among all the caves that enter it is unique, which is known as the Lightlyachki Cave.
Scientists called the luminous inhabitants of this cave « Arachnocampa luminosa ». These amazing insects just sit and radiate a blue color, which creates a picture that can only be compared to a starry sky. The size of the firefly can be compared to the mosquito, but this insect lives only on the island.
Weitomo caves began to be investigated back in 1887. The study of modern attraction was first undertaken by an English scientist with one of the major leaders.
A couple of years after the study of the Vaitomo cave, this area became known to the public, and in 1910 the first hotel appeared here.
The cavemakers are unusual forms of grotto with limestone, the decoration of which is fireflies. This sight is simply fascinating.
There is a 16-meter mine, which connects the three levels of the Vaitomo cave among themselves. The first of the levels is presented in the form of catacombs, but without fireflies. The banquet chamber – under this name knows the second level, since earlier tourists had a snack here. The deepest level is called the Cathedral. His acoustic characteristics were liked by opera singers, who sometimes give a concert here.
Not far from the third level, you can take an excursion with the underwater river of the cave complex, which leads to the most interesting – Grotto of Fireflies. Perhaps the fireflies or mushrooms that grow on the walls create a pleasant smell that cannot be compared with anything.
As scientists found out, the caves of Vaitomo formed at least 30 million years at the bottom of the ocean.
This New Zealand attraction is visited annually by 400 thousand people. The cave complex is open from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., and fireflies work here around the clock.
