Limestone Caves: Waitomo Caves as clear as a starry sky

See the starry sky in a cave it’s really great. If it used to be just a dream, now in New Zealand has become reality. The Waitomo Caves they are a fairytale place, where thousands of fireflies transform the darkness of the cave into an unexpected starry sky. The names of the main caves are Glowworm, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave. They can be explored on foot and by boat. The caves were formed by ocean erosion dating back to 30 million years ago. On the site we read:

Waitomo Glowworm Caves tours consist of two levels. The upper part is dry and decorated with beautiful and delicate cave formations and the lower level consists of passages of streams, fireflies and the cathedral, the highest chamber in the cave.

About the Ruakuri Caves it is reported:

Descend through the spectacular man-made spiral entrance and admire the gently curving scarf-shaped limestone formations and crystal tapestries as you listen to the distant thunder of underground waterfalls. If you want to see fireflies up close and personal and learn more about their fascinating lives, this is the tour for you.

The last cave has no water and therefore the fireflies are not there. However, it does have a show of stalactites And stalagmites light brown, white and pink. These are fireflies like theluminous aracnocampa that when it is a larva, it produces the luciferin, luminescent substance. It is activated by oxygen or magnesium and the larva also produces an enzyme called luciferase. In practice, the larval firefly produces long threads that reach up to half a meter with saliva droplets. A way of catching prey to eat. Here, in the darkness of the cave, these threads create an unparalleled spectacle.

For those who want to visit them are the caves always open. From November to March, there are 15-minute tours between 8.30am and 5.30pm. It is advisable to wear warm jackets. Ban on cameras and phones for photos and videos.