Waitomo Education
Service
Contact Us: Ph: 07 878 7642 Fax: 07 878 6184 PO Box 12 Waitomo Caves New Zealand education@waitomodiscovery.org
WAITOMO - A CONTEXT FOR LEARNING
Above Ground Adventure Activities
Below Ground Adventure Activities
Combination Adventure Activities
Walkways & DOC Reserves
TEACHING RESOURCES
WALKWAYS and DEPARTMENT of CONSERVATION RESERVES
Select one of the walks below or scroll down to view all
Dundle Hill Walk: A two day
walk (27 km) through lush native bush, unique limestone formations, caves,
forestry and farmland. Overnight accommodation is provided at the Kay's
Cabin, situated halfway on the walk with generous accommodation for 38
people. An ideal opportunity to study a the 'Living World' and an excellent
example of conservation and management of a water catchment area. An ideal
class tramp.
Click here for further information
Ruakuri Walkway:
The Ruakuri carpark
is 3 kilometres from Waitomo Museum and is signposted off Tumutumu
Road. There is a well-constructed track which passes through picturesque rain forest and
limestone landscape with excellent views of the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, a remnant cave.
See cave weta during the day and glowworms at night. Liaise with the Education Service to
undertake long-tailed bat and environmental monitoring - specific teacher resource and
monitoring kits available. Allow approximately 45 minutes return for the walkway. Allow
approximately 1/2 day for environmental monitoring. Pupil/adult ratio in keeping with
school requirements. Picnic tables and toilets at start of walk. Maps available from
Waitomo Museum.
Opapaka Walk and Pa Site:
This is
situated 2 kilometres from Waitomo Village. The walk features beautiful views,
interpretation of the Maori medicinal uses of native plants and an explanation of the Pa
site. Allow 1 hour return. Liaise with the Education Service to undertake an artefacts
lesson on the Pa site and related activities. Native plant identification guides and
Teacher Resources available from the Education Service. Pupil/adult ratio in keeping with
school requirements. Picnic tables at start of walk. Maps available from Waitomo
Museum.
Waitomo Walkway: This easy grade, 5 kilometre walk starts from the Waitomo Village. The
walk follows the Waitomo stream over open farmland and through bush with some short steep
sections. Follow marker posts and use stiles where provided. See karren (water sculptured
limestone rocks), dolines (limestone depressions) and kahikatea before arriving at the
Ruakuri walkway. Allow 3 hours return. Pupil/adult ratio in keeping with school
requirements. Picnic tables and toilets at start of walk. Maps available from Waitomo
Museum.
Waitomo Domain - Discover Waitomo
Orientation Course: A small section of the Waitomo Walkway located in the heart of
the Waitomo Village. Contact the Education Service for maps and activities.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge:
Situated
26 kilometres from Waitomo on the Waitomo Caves - Te Anga Road. The track follows
Mangapohue stream to a double limestone arch, formerly part of a cave system. See
phototrophic stalactites (growing towards light) before descending to farmland where there
are oyster fossils in limestone outcrops and karren in the swamp. Allow 25 minutes return.
Pupil/adult ratio in keeping with school requirements. Picnic tables and toilets at start
of walk. Maps and guide books available from Waitomo Museum.
Piripiri Cave: Situated 30
kilometres from Waitomo on the Waitomo Caves - Te Anga Road. This cave is self guided.
Bring a torch and wear old clothing as the cave is muddy in parts. Walk past karren and
into the cave to view oyster fossils. Allow 25 minutes return. Pupil/adult ratio in
keeping with school requirements. Picnic tables and toilets at start of walk. Maps and
guide books available from Waitomo Museum.
Marokopa Falls:
Situated 31
kilometres from Waitomo on the Waitomo Caves - Te Anga Road. Follow
track to base of falls.
Allow 30 minutes return. Pupil/adult ratio in keeping with school requirements. Picnic
tables and toilets at start of walk. Maps and guide books available from Waitomo Museum.
email us at: education@waitomodiscovery.org 16/01/2008