Most likely, you’ve heard of Waitomo, known for its firefly caves. The mosquito larvae (arachnocampa luminosa) are endemic to New Zealand, meaning their blue-green bioluminescence cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Add to that the fact that they gather in the underground system of limestone caves in Waitomo, filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and you have a recipe for a very popular tourist attraction.
But in reality, fireflies can be found all over the country, and there is no more ethereal experience than a kayaking trip through firefly caves in New Zealand.
Lake District, Waikato
Waikato is located near the famous Waitomo Firefly Caves, but you’ll also find firefly adventures in the open air here, including at Lake Karapiro near Cambridge. Fireflies are called “titiwai” in Māori, which roughly means “lights over water”. That’s exactly what you’ll see as you float in the dark and silence of the Pakaivenua Stream.
Waimarino, Bay of Plenty
The landing site of several migration waka that brought early Polynesians to New Zealand, Plenty Bay is a large bay along the east coast of the North Island. The seaside surfing and golfing destination is also a haven for rowers. Here, near the regional center of Tauranga, you will find Lake McLaren Falls Park. At the top of the lake, a narrow canyon with high edges glows with the light of thousands of fireflies.