It's much quieter at Waitomo than I remember, and it's a stark reminder of the effect of global pandemic on tourism. Ruakuri is just down the hill from Waitomo cave. The artificial lights go out when we reach the glow worm grotto, and we hold on to the railings to find the way, weaving through the walls of soft, insect-made lights. We are close enough to see the long strings of sticky thread the glow worms have let down to catch prey; they glisten like tiny necklaces beneath the blue-green lights of the larvae. If you're feeling adventurous, the black water rafting is a must-do, and the Waitomo Cave tour that includes a boat ride at the end is an enduring delight.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 19, 2020 03:20 UTC