Adventure Awaits: Backpacking in Waitomo and Surrounding Regions – Events, Activities, and Why Waitomo is the Ultimate Base for Summer
If you’re a nature-loving backpacker looking to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty and experience unforgettable events, the Waitomo area should be at the top of your travel list this summer. Known for its breathtaking limestone caves, glowworms, and lush landscapes, Waitomo offers endless outdoor adventures and serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby gems in the Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui regions.
This summer, the Waitomo area is alive with events, unique attractions, and hidden treasures that make it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Why Stay in Waitomo?
Set in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Waitomo is a paradise for travellers who crave adventure and a connection to nature. Its famous glowworm caves are just the beginning – Waitomo’s rugged terrain, native bush, and rivers offer the ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Backpackers can choose from a range of affordable accommodations, from cosy hostels to campgrounds and eco-lodges. Check out Waitomo Village Chalets for your best accommodation options. The area’s low-key vibe, small-town hospitality, and easy access to nearby attractions make it an excellent home base for exploration.
Waitomo’s location is perfect for backpackers who want to venture into the wider Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui regions. From cultural events and live music festivals to scenic hiking trails and adrenaline-pumping adventures, the area provides something for every type of traveller.
Summer Activities and Events in Waitomo and Surrounding Regions
- December is a great time to visit Waitomo Caves
The weather is usually mild, cool and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 13—22°C (56—71°F). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Waitomo Caves during this time. Some of our top recommendations - try black water rafting through the caves, go on a photography tour of the Waitomo Caves, and go abseiling in the caves. - Hamilton Arts Festival (21 February – 2 March, 2025)
Held in the stunning Hamilton Gardens, this arts festival showcases performances, art installations, and cultural events across ten days in February. You’ll find outdoor theatre, live music, and light installations that transform the gardens at night. The festival’s mix of visual arts and interactive experiences is ideal for backpackers who love both nature and art. Since it’s just an hour away from Waitomo, it’s an accessible day trip or weekend excursion. - Kawhia Kai Festival (February 3, 2025)
For food-loving adventurers, the Kawhia Kai Festival is a must-visit celebration of Maori cuisine, held annually on Waitangi weekend. Located in the coastal village of Kawhia, this event offers a rare opportunity to sample traditional Maori dishes like hāngi (earth-cooked feast) and kaimoana (seafood) and to connect with the local community. The event also features cultural performances (kappa haka), weaving, carving and tattooing demonstrations, making it a fantastic cultural experience for those interested in New Zealand’s heritage.
Best Nature Adventures and Places to Explore in Waitomo and Nearby Regions
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
For any backpacker or adventurer, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-see. This limestone wonderland is home to thousands of glowworms that light up the cave ceilings like stars. You can take a guided boat tour or, for those seeking more thrills, try blackwater rafting. Imagine floating down an underground river, surrounded by glowworms and surreal rock formations – it’s a truly unique experience that Waitomo is famous for. - Ruakuri Cave
Ruakuri Cave offers an extended underground adventure with intricate limestone formations, waterfalls, and more glowworms. This cave tour is a bit longer and includes walkways and spiral staircases that allow you to explore its depths up close. For backpackers looking to get off the beaten path, Ruakuri provides a less crowded but equally stunning cave experience. - Te Araroa Trail
Waikato and King Country Sections The Te Araroa Trail is New Zealand’s long-distance walking trail, stretching over 3,000 kilometres from north to south. The Waikato and King Country sections are ideal for backpackers who want a rugged hiking experience. These sections pass through lush native forests, rural farmland, and small communities, offering a raw, authentic taste of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes. - Mangapohue Natural Bridge
For a quick yet awe-inspiring outdoor experience, head to the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, located about 25 minutes from Waitomo. This massive limestone arch, carved by the forces of nature, is a spectacular sight. A short trail takes you across a boardwalk through native bush to the bridge, with interpretive signs along the way explaining the geological history. It’s a free and beautiful spot, perfect for adventurous travellers with a love for natural wonders. - Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Located about an hour’s drive from Waitomo, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a hidden gem for wildlife lovers. This eco-sanctuary is one of New Zealand’s largest, providing a predator-free haven for endangered native species. Backpackers can explore walking trails of varying difficulty, with chances to see rare birds like kiwi and kaka in their natural habitat. For nature lovers, this off-the-beaten-path experience is both serene and unforgettable." - Tongariro National Park (Manawatū-Whanganui)
If you have the time for a scenic day trip or overnight stay, Tongariro National Park is a true outdoor paradise. Famous for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s best day hikes, the park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and towering peaks. Backpackers with a taste for adventure can tackle the alpine crossing, or for a lighter trek, try the Whakapapa Nature Walk, which showcases the stunning landscapes without the strenuous climb.
Waitomo Village Chalets are the ideal base for backpackers and adventurers looking to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty and unique summer events. The Waitomo area and the nearby Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui regions are filled with epic sights, from glowworm caves to rugged trails and cultural festivals. By staying in Waitomo, travellers can enjoy a range of activities that span from thrilling underground adventures to scenic hikes and authentic cultural experiences.
This summer, explore Waitomo’s caves, hike across mountains, and immerse yourself in the beauty and energy of New Zealand – an adventure you won’t soon forget.