The Waitomo Caves are cave formations known as a major tourist attraction in the southern Waikato region of the North Island. The word Waitomo comes from the Maori Language wai meaning water and tomo meaning a sinkhole. These Caves are believed to be over two million years old.

The main caves in the area are Waitomo Caves and Aranui Cave. Their major attractions are their stalactites and stalagmites, and the thousands of spectacular glowworms.