Top 10 Reasons to Visit Waitomo and the King Country
There's something for every age and enough to keep you occupied for a week
1. Glowworm Caves
Visit Waitomo and the magic of its world famous glowworm caves. A living subterranean display to rival a star-filled sky!
2. Black Water Rafting
Real Kiwi adventure - a Waitomo world-first, where you jump, weave and float along underground streams in an inflated rubber inner tube.
3. Cave Abseiling Adventure
Explore Waitomo's fabulous range of underground adventures - cave abseiling (rappelling) rock climbing, crawling and exploring. Step outside your normal comfort zone with expert caving guides.
4. Otorohanga Kiwi House
The Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park is New Zealand's original Kiwi House. It operates an active breeding programme dedicated to the conservation of our iconic native bird. Enjoy kiwi viewing in the nocturnal house, a walk though the landscaped park, an aviary stocked with native birds and native reptile displays.
5. Running of the Sheep - Te Kuiti
It's the largest Sheep Run in the world! In a quirky Kiwi version of the Pamplona Bull Run, Te Kuiti lets loose about 2000 sheep to run down the town's main street. The annual "Running of the Sheep" in April is all part of The Great New Zealand Muster, Te Kuiti's celebration of its "Shearing Capital" status.
6. Kawhia Traditional Maori Kai Festival
February 6, is Kawhia's biggest day - the annual celebration of traditional Maori kai (food) from the sea and the land. As well as a delicious array of modern and traditional "kai", the festival features cultural performances and displays of Maori art & craft, including flax weaving, tattooing, cloak making and wood carving.
7. 'Kiwiana Town' Otorohanga
Otorohanga, New Zealand's official "Kiwiana Town" since 2002, celebrates 
popular Kiwi Culture with Kiwiana displays, murals and corrugated iron Kiwi sculptures along its main street. There's everything from the Pavlova story, No.8 Wire, the All Blacks, Sheep, Team NZ, Aunt Daisy, School Milk and the Kiwi to Sir Ed Hillary and Bruce McLaren.
8. West Coast Wonderland
Miles of stunning coastline from historic Kawhia Harbour, Marokopa, Kiritehere, Waikawau and Awakino to Mokau - 
Enjoy Waitomo & King Country attractions from caves to coast.
9. Take Time Out from the Fast Lane!
Ask anyone who has spent time in our neck of the woods and they'll tell you it's a wonderful place for taking it easy, catching up with yourself and enjoying some of the simpler things in life. There are great places to stay, eat out, walk, fish, enjoy adventure thrills or just relax. Treat yourself to a few days in the Waitomo & King Country region.
10. Trout Fishing
The King Country offers unique fishing for rainbow & brown trout to suit both experienced anglers & keen novices. Only a couple of hours from Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro, our local rivers & streams offer laid-back & intimate fishing without the crowds.
Useful information
Editorial and images courtesy of Destination Waitomo
