8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples© Glowing Adventures
8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples

8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples

© Glowing Adventures

Honeymoon Activities and Romantic Experiences in Waitomo

We know Waitomo is on your honeymoon itinerary of New Zealand. If not, then it should be, or at least the North Island destination makes an effortlessly romantic destination for a weekend away. The breathtakingly beautiful caves of stalactites and glistening glowworms provide an idyllic romantic setting, whether you prefer to tackle the caves on an adventurous caving tour or a more relaxing walking tour. And the experiences don’t end with caving, as scenic walks, cycle trails, a kiwi house and more are available to complete your stay.

Plan the perfect visit to Waitomo for the two of you with this list of romantic activities in Waitomo for couples. And don’t forget to check out The Honeymoon Guide to Waitomo for more advice.

1. Delve into the Candlelit Caverns of the Footwhistle Cave

A Waitomo cave experience that’s romantic and kind on the honeymoon budget, Cave World Waitomo is a small-group walking tour into the breathtakingly beautiful Footwhistle Cave. Enter a candlelit cavern awash in dangling stalactites and decorated with the blue twinkles of glowworms. Your guide will tell you how the caves were first conducted over a century ago and also show you the bones of a giant extinct bird called a moa. Learn more about Cave World Waitomo on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Location: 23 Waitomo Village Road.

8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples© CaveWorld Waitomo

2. Embark on a Private Glowworm Cave Tour

One of the most intimate caving experiences for couples is the private glowworm cave tour with Glowing Adventures. It’s just you two and your guide exploring the private limestone cave network of a family farm far-flung from the bustling tourist caves near Waitomo Village. Move through the subterranean landscape full of beautiful glowworm displays and limestone formations. Find out more about the different tours available on Viator and Tripadvisor. Plus, see how this tour compares with others in the 10 Best Waitomo Cave Tours.

Location: 1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti, approximately 19km (12 miles) from Waitomo Village.

8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples© Glowing Adventures

3. Take on a Caving Adventure Together

Adventurous couples might want to amp up the experience to the next level with a caving tour. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. has two popular adventure tours, which you can read up on in What is the Best Black Water Rafting Tour in New Zealand? Alternatively, Waitomo Adventures offers a whopping six tours. Both tour companies incorporate abseiling, ziplining, caving and tubing in their tours so choosing one is your biggest headache – the rest is pure adrenaline fun!

Location: The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. – 585 Waitomo Caves Road, approximately 2km (1 mile) from Waitomo Village. Waitomo Adventures – 1227 Waitomo Valley Road, approximately 600m (656 yards) from Waitomo Village.

8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

4. Stroll Hand-in-Hand Along Waitomo’s Walking Trails

Experience some of the spectacular bush, farmland and limestone landscape of Waitomo by walking some of the trails. From the short Ruakuri Bushwalk to the multi-day private walking trail of the Waitomo Great Walk, there are plenty of options. The latter can be experienced with gourmet meals delivered throughout the hike, while you discover waterfalls cascading into crevices, see glowworm-covered bluffs and look out for native birds in the forest. Learn more about the Waitomo Great Walk in our 9 Luxury Activities in Waitomo.

Location: Waitomo’s short walk locations are listed in the 5 Best Walks in Waitomo.

8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

5. See Cute Kiwi Birds, Native Parrots and More at the Otorohanga Kiwi House

If wildlife makes you and your other half’s heart melt, then you’ll want to visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House. See kiwi birds in special nocturnal houses as part of conservation breeding programs, while New Zealand parrots, three-eyed tuatara and more natives are also available to see throughout the aviaries and enclosures. You get into the environment with the birds, which makes for a fun show at feeding time.

Location: Alex Telfer Drive, Otorohanga, approximately 17km (10 miles) from Waitomo Village.

8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

6. Take a Road Trip to Waterfalls and the Middle-earth Scenery of Piopio

While we already recommend a road trip from Waitomo in The Guide to Waitomo on a Budget, another arguably more romantic trip is to the nearby town of Piopio. While the town itself is home to quaint cafes that are worth a quick stop, the highlight of your visit is along the Mangaotaki Road with magnificent waterfalls, limestone kart landscapes and Middle-earth magic at The Hobbit filming location tour Hairy Feet Waitomo. Find out more in the 10 Fun Things to Do in Piopio.

Location: Piopio, 41km (25 miles) from Waitomo Village.

8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Tackle the Timber Trail Together

Active couples making their way in or out of Waitomo should seriously consider cycling one of the top bike trails in the country. Uncrowded, remote and with unmatched scenery, the Timber Trail is a two to three-day cycle trail in the natural haven of the Pureora Forest Park. Experience the longest swingbridge in New Zealand and historic logging tramways while looking out for native birds that thrive here. In the centre of the trail is the Timber Trail Lodge providing romantic guest rooms, as well as bike, meal, and transport packages to help organise the experience with ease. Learn more about Timber Trail Lodge on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Location: Shuttles to the trail depart from 26 Ongarue–Waimiha Road, 80km (50 miles) from Waitomo Village.

8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples© NZPocketGuide.com

8. Book Yourselves in for a Romantic Meal

Admittedly, Waitomo isn’t full of restaurants. It’s more like a haven of cafes than anything. Nevertheless, your most romantic dining option is the Huhu Cafe, which boasts an evening menu reflecting the tastes of rural New Zealand. Think dishes like garlic and goat’s cheese tart, wild rabbit hotpot, organic rib-eye steak and more – all impeccably presented. Be sure to book a table, as this place fills up fast, especially in summer.

Location: 10 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Village.

8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples© Pixabay

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

    Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

    About The Author

    Laura S.

    This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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