Ruakoputun's Cave


As a rule, most tourists begin their acquaintance with New Zealand from the capital of the country - Wellington . If you have the time and you are ready to experience an unforgettable adventure, you are waited by the fantastically beautiful cave Ruakoputuna, world-known as the "cave of fireflies". Do not think that this creation of nature is only a dark underground grotto, as in most natural caves: here you seem to be transferred to a fabulous atmosphere.

Amazing Cave Features

"Firefly Cave" is located in a very picturesque place - among the dwarf shrubs, small forests, mysterious canyons and small bays. The entrance to the cave resembles the dwelling of some ancient dragon, but do not be afraid: except fireflies, there are practically no living inhabitants. But around the Ruakkoputuna is a real paradise for birds: here you will meet a dove pigeon, a bird of thuja and a medusa-bell.

Going to the cave, it is worth knowing about it more. The basic facts concerning it are as follows:

  1. The cave consists of several rooms connected by narrow aisles. In each of them live thousands of fireflies, creating a shimmering mysterious lighting of the cave.
  2. You should take pictures without a flash, otherwise the pictures will not work. When photographing, it is preferable to set the shutter speed to 15 seconds.
  3. Take warm clothes and waterproof shoes with you: the cave is surrounded by water, so your feet can get very wet.
  4. For a full survey of the "cave of fireflies" you will take at least an hour. Free access to it is closed, and you will have to obtain prior permission by contacting the telephone.
  5. Fireflies that live here, belong to a special species and live only in New Zealand. Their larvae glow with an original greenish-bluish glow, which turns the arch of the cave into the semblance of a starry sky. Such lighting should attract flying insects.
  6. The walls on the walls, also covered with fireflies, are formed from limestone and the remains of marine organisms - skeletons of sea fishes, corals, shells.
  7. In the cave it is forbidden to touch the fireflies, and also to smoke.

How to get there?

If you leave Wellington , you need to take the Martinborough-Awhea road and then head south. After driving through the town of Martinborough, take the Ruakkoputuna road, which will take you to the cave in half an hour.