When you think about the glowworm cave in New Zealand, which place comes to your mind first?

It will be Waitomo Cave! Definitely!  Because the Waitomo Cave is the superb popular place to see the glowworm.

However, there is another glowworm cave near the bay of Island where located 3 hours away from Auckland, and it's totally free of charge !  It's called the Waipu Glowworm Cave!

Waipu Caves are located in Waipu area in the Northland region of New Zealand. The Waipu Caves are considered important for geomorphology, because they include the largest cave passage in Northland. Bones of bats, birds, amphibians and reptiles may be found along with the remains of fossil invertebrates. The Waipu Caves are an alternative to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. They are free and unregulated, giving the whole adventure a more rugged feel .

The Waipu caves are free and unregulated, which means you need to take care of your own safety (check the weather a week before and don’t go alone). The caves are wet and slippery, and sometimes you have to walk through water up to your waist. The inner chambers are for experienced cavers only. Sinkholes are common and you need proper shoes and a head torch. Turn off all lights to see the glow worms better. Please respect the local area and don’t leave any rubbish behind. There is a shower and toilets in the car park near the caves to wash your gear (and yourself, if you want).

For more details;

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/waipu-area/things-to-do/waipu-caves-track/