Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Limestone caves where thousands of glow worms light up the cave roof like a starry sky. The classic tour walks through the cave's chambers and ends with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto. The nearby Ruakuri Cave, with a spiral entrance and accessible walkways, and Aranui Cave, known for its formations, can be visited on combination tickets.

For something more adventurous, go black-water rafting: float through the caves on an inner tube in a wetsuit, under the glow worms. Several companies run trips. Photos aren't allowed in the Glowworm Grotto.

Waitomo is about 2.5 hours south of Auckland and 1 hour from Hamilton, and often combined with a trip to Rotorua or Hobbiton.