Kawiti Glowworm Caves, Hundertwasser Exhibition Centre & Opua Forest Tour

If you are an enthusiast of the outdoors exploring New Zealand, a visit to the Kawiti Glowworm Caves should be on your itinerary. This tour also includes stops at the Hundertwasser Exhibition Centre and Opua Forest for an enriching experience.

Description

On the designated day, we'll gather at the Paihia Information Centre at the pre-arranged time to kick off this invigorating tour focused on nature, featuring the Kawiti Glowworm Caves, the Hundertwasser Exhibition, and the scenic Opua Forest.

Our first destination will be the Glowworm Caves. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Maori guide, we will navigate through subterranean passages while discovering the captivating glowworms that inhabit the space. The tour, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, will follow a safe wooden walkway (complete with handrails) through a remarkable 200-metre-long limestone cave system.

Throughout our exploration, we will witness countless mesmerizing glowworms illuminating the cave ceiling, complementing the breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites that surround us. Our guide will share insightful information about the life cycle of the native glowworm and their unique web designs that help them capture food. We'll have the chance to observe close-up the intricate features of the glowworm and the distinctive hue of its blueish-green tail light.

We will then proceed to Kawakawa, a town known for its "Hundertwasser Toilets," regarded as a rare masterpiece among public restrooms. Designed by the renowned Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 1999, these toilets make use of recycled materials. Additionally, we'll explore the newly opened Hundertwasser Cultural Centre, inaugurated on February 22, 2022. This cultural hub showcases various artworks by Hundertwasser alongside local Maori crafts. Before departing from this artistic locale, we'll treat ourselves to a delightful fresh cream doughnut.

Our journey will continue towards the Opua Forest, which is home to remarkable Kauri trees that have flourished on this land for over 1000 years. The trip will conclude with our return to the Wharf, where we will pass the Waitangi lookout, offering a perfect opportunity for memorable photographs.

After approximately 4 hours of exploration and immersion in nature, we will return to the starting point to conclude this engaging tour. M? te w?!