Waitomo Caves
December’s visitor numbers to Waitomo Caves were on par with the 2024 totals, but its popularity among tourists may have increased.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge, Waitomo. Photo: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism
A growth in the use of digital booking systems has made it a little harder to obtain exact figures, but a late summer rush is expected, the attraction’s museum manager, Aquarius Macpherson, said.
“The New Year has already started with a bang and visitor numbers and spending have been up over the holiday period. The team has boosted advertising efforts, which should increase the number of local visitors and foot traffic through the museum.”
A school holiday programme is also proving successful, she said.
While noting the economic downturn as likely having an impact on tourist numbers in 2025, Macpherson expects the region’s attractions will help bring more money into the local area throughout the remainder of the summer and beyond.
“Tourist attractions make up a significant part of the Waitomo economy, through Tourism Holdings Limited – which runs the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri and Aranui and caves and blackwater rafting – as well as smaller providers,” she said. “They provide employment and help support other local businesses.”
Waitomo Glow worms. Photo: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism
