Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre

25/08/2025

🎬✨ Need a venue for your next meeting, workshop, seminar, or film screening?
The Waitomo Caves Museum and Information Centre’s Education Room & Theatre is available for hire — and it’s only $150 flat rate!
✅ Comfortable seating
✅ Projector & screen available
✅ Perfect for school groups, community events, training sessions & more
📍 Conveniently located at 21 Waitomo Village Road
📞 Call us on 07 878 7640
📧 Email [email protected] to book now!

21/08/2025

🎨 Featured Artist: Julious Mora 🖤🌿
Art with Meaning. Stories with Mana.
We’re honoured to showcase the bold and beautiful work of Julious Mora, a local artist whose mahi reflects deep themes of identity, knowledge, and te ao Māori.
🖌️ His striking pieces “Wero” and “Ako” explore the importance of self-awareness, learning, and the passing on of mātauranga (knowledge). Every detail in his art is infused with cultural symbolism, colour, and connection.
These works are not just visual — they speak, they teach, and they invite reflection.
📍 On display and for sale now at the Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre.
Support local artists. Celebrate indigenous voices.
Nau mai, haere mai — come see them for yourself!

07/08/2025

📚 Throwback Thursday – Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre 🦴

Did you know the Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre has been welcoming curious minds for over 30 years? 🙌

What started as a small local museum has grown into a vibrant hub of natural history, glowworm science, and limestone legend — all right in the heart of Waitomo village. 🏞️✨

From hand-painted fossil labels and glass cases to today’s interactive displays and school programmes, the journey has been incredible — and we’re just getting started.

Were you one of the early visitors? Maybe you remember our first exhibits or school trips from the '90s? Share your memories or photos below – we’d love to hear your stories! 💬📸

31/07/2025

🎓 Calling all teachers!
Bring your class to the Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre for a fun, curriculum-aligned learning adventure! 🌏✨
✅ Hands-on education
✅ Led by our awesome Education Officer
✅ Perfect for all school group sizes
✅ Just $5.50 per student – teachers & parents FREE!
📍 21 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo
📞 0224579459
📧 [email protected]
📚 Book your session today and inspire young minds! 💡

24/07/2025

🌿✨ Discover the magic of Aotearoa with A Great Backyard! ✨🌿

They are a local business passionate about capturing and sharing the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand. From breathtaking postcards and magnets to glowing acrylic prints of the world-famous Waitomo Caves, their products celebrate the unique landscapes and wildlife that make this country so special. 💙🇳🇿

Whether it’s the twinkle of glowworms, the charm of native birds like the Kiwi and Pīwakawaka, or the serenity of our forests and waterfalls — there’s a perfect piece waiting for you or someone you love.

📍Come visit us in-store and bring home a little slice of A Great Backyard!

17/07/2025

🦑💎 Dave Walton and His Belemnite Discovery! 💎🦑
Check out this awesome shot of Dave Walton proudly holding a belemnite fossil he found in Te Anga, near Piripiri Cave! 🗺️✨
Even cooler — he’s standing in front of a museum display of belemnites, comparing his own remarkable find with those on exhibit. 📍🦴
A perfect example of local history meeting hands-on exploration! 🔍🌿 Nice one, Dave!

16/07/2025

EARLY CLOSURE TODAY at 1.30pm

10/07/2025

📮 Waitomo NZ Post – What We Offer ✉️📦
Popping in to post something? Here's what we currently provide at the Waitomo NZ Post counter:
✅ Domestic parcel & postcards (within New Zealand)
✅ International letters & postcards
✅ NZ Post prepaid bags for easy sending
Please note:
🚫 We are not able to process international parcels or courier services at this location.
Whether you're sending a care package to the North Island or a postcard to the other side of the world, we’ve got you covered with friendly service and the right supplies. 📬🛍️
Thanks for supporting local!

03/07/2025

🦕 School Holidays = Family Adventure Time! 🦕
Looking for something fun, hands-on, and a little bit glowy these school holidays? ✨
Bring the whānau to the Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre and dive into a world of ancient fossils, glowworm secrets, and underground wonders. 🌿🕷️

🔦 Explore the interactive exhibits
📸 Snap a pic with our fossils
Affordable, educational, and fun for all ages — perfect for a winter’s day adventure!
📍 Right in the heart of Waitomo
🕘 Open Tuesday-Sunday during the school holidays
Nau mai, haere mai – see you soon!

26/06/2025

🎨 Local Art You’ll Love – Helen Fortescue at Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre 🖼️🌿
We’re lucky to have the vibrant, playful work of local artist Helen Fortescue on display and available right here at the Waitomo Caves Museum and information Centre!
From bold animals like lions, leopards, and bears to swirling landscapes and coastal scenes, Helen’s art is full of colour, character, and charm. 🦁🌊 Her unique style combines creativity with a love for the natural world — and every piece has a story to tell.
📍 Come browse the collection next time you’re in — perfect as a gift or to brighten your own home!
💚 Support local talent — support local art!

19/06/2025

🥤 Something Refreshing is Coming Soon! 🥤

We’re excited to announce that a brand new drink vending machine will soon be available at the Waitomo Caves Museum & Discovery Centre!

Whether you’ve just explored the caves or are heading out on your next adventure, you’ll soon be able to grab a cold drink right here at the Museum. 🌿💧

Please note: Drinks are not allowed inside the museum exhibits, so be sure to enjoy your refreshment before heading in. 🛑🏛️

Because exploring Waitomo is thirsty work — just sip smart! 😉

12/06/2025

One of our great Waitomo adventures.

Have you visited this cave? Down to Earth - Waitomo Eco Cave Tours

Rain, rain, go away… ☔
Woke up to another soggy morning and had to cancel today’s tours (safety first, always!). But just when we were feeling a bit gloomy, this email landed in our inbox and turned everything around:

"Hi all, I finally got the chance to leave a review, but I also wanted to just respond in person and thank you all, and Ash especially, for what is undoubtedly one of the best life experiences I have had so far.
I hope to be back in a few years with my kids, once they are older, so I can share this incredible experience with them too.
With much gratitude,
Zain"

Big smiles all around. 😊
Full review in the attachment if you need a pick-me-up too!