Plan a Romantic Retreat to Waitomo
The lush undulating farmland, caves of stalactites and glowworms like glitter on the ceilings: Waitomo provides an effortlessly romantic and unique setting for a honeymoon. It’s a definite must-do for any honeymoon itinerary around New Zealand, whether you’re the type of couple who loves to adventure together or you prefer relaxation and simply enjoying one another’s company.
Plan your romantic getaway with ease through this complete honeymoon guide to Waitomo.
Things to Do in Waitomo for Couples
- Delve into the candlelit caverns of the Footwhistle Cave with Cave World Waitomo
- Embark on a private glowworm cave tour with Glowing Adventures
- Take on a caving adventure with the Black Water Rafting Co. or Waitomo Adventures
- Stroll hand-in-hand along Waitomo’s walking trails
- See cute kiwi birds, native parrots and more at the Otorohanga Kiwi House
- Take a road trip to waterfalls and the Middle-earth scenery of Piopio
- Tackle the Timber Trail together
- Book yourselves in for a romantic meal.
For more explanation, take a look at the 8 Romantic Activities in Waitomo for Couples.
Romantic Glowworm Cave Activities
The Waitomo Caves effortlessly sets the scene for romance with their glorious array of stalactites and galaxy-like displays of glowworms. Any one of the glowworm cave tours qualifies as a romantic experience, but one of the most intimate 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 away from the popular cave tours of Waitomo Village. Find out more about the different tours available on Viator and Tripadvisor.
For something a little kinder on the honeymoon budget, choose the small-group cave walking tour with Cave World Waitomo. Enter a candlelit cavern awash in dangling stalactites and decorated with the blue twinkles of the glowworms. Marvel at the bones that remain from the extinct moa bird and listen to how the caves were first conducted over a century ago. Learn more about Cave World Waitomo on Viator and Tripadvisor.
See how these activities compare with others in the 10 Best Waitomo Cave Tours.
Alternative Romantic Activities
There’s certainly more to Waitomo than caves and glowworms. Couples can enjoy walking hand-in-hand on Waitomo’s stunning trails, from the short Ruakuri Bushwalk to the multi-day private walking trail the Waitomo Great Walk. 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 Waitomo’s short walks here and the Waitomo Great Walk in our 9 Luxury Activities in Waitomo.
If wildlife makes your heart melt, then you’ll want to visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House where you’ll see kiwi birds in special artificial nocturnal houses, as well as New Zealand parrots the three-eyed tuatara and more. The kiwi house is in the town of Otorohanga, just a short drive from Waitomo.
Finally, we recommend a road trip to the nearby town of Piopio, home to quaint cafes and the Mangaotaki Road with magnificent waterfalls, limestone kart landscapes and Middle-earth magic at Hairy Feet Waitomo. Find out more in the 10 Fun Things to Do in Piopio.
Romantic Restaurants in Waitomo
Waitomo doesn’t have the largest array of eateries, but you certainly won’t be stuck for lunch with Waitomo General Store (15 Waitomo Village Road), Waitomo Homestead (584 State Highway 3, Otorohanga), Toi Toi Cafe (3162 Te Anga Road), Adventures Cafe (1227 Waitomo Valley Road), Long Black Cafe (585 Waitomo Village Road) and more all offering the usual suspects making them a good place to get a light meal, coffee and a sweet treat.
Your most romantic dining option in Waitomo, however, is the Huhu Cafe (10 Waitomo Caves Road), so be sure to book a table at this popular restaurant. Their evening menu reflects the tastes of rural New Zealand with dishes like garlic and goat’s cheese tart, wild rabbit hotpot, organic rib-eye steak and more – all impeccably presented.
Honeymoon Accommodation in Waitomo
For more information on these romantic stays, check out the 5 Best Romantic Accommodation in Waitomo.
More About Waitomo
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in Waitomo
- 6 Ways to Take On the Waitomo Caves
- 10 Fascinating Facts About the Waitomo Caves
- The Complete Travel Guide to Waitomo
That’s it for our honeymoon guide to Waitomo. You can find even more honeymoon tips in The Honeymoon Guide to New Zealand.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.