Cave Kids will keep cool during the sizzling summer holidays

Cave Kids will keep cool during the sizzling summer holidays

Cave Kids is offering a cool way for adventure-seeking youngsters to keep out of the scorching heat these summer school holidays, with an underground discovery programme hosted by Discover Waitomo.

The three-hour dry caving session in Ruakuri Cave, run from 17 December 2011- 29 January 2012, is like something out of Indiana Jones, allowing young Kiwi adventurers the chance to explore caves and glowworms, search for treasure, find fossils and more.

Kids are welcome to bring their cameras to record the moment they discover the remains of ancient creatures, and they’ll also get their very own Cave Kids workbook to help them make notes on their treasure maps and activity sheets.

Liz Lindsay, Discover Waitomo Brand Manager, says they are delighted to launch the third instalment of the Cave Kids programme and with a longer season these holidays, even more kids from all around the globe can experience the wonders of the Waitomo underground.

“Children love caving in this fun, educational three-hour escapade to an underground world that’s simply incomparable,” says Liz.

“Cave Kids start with a warm-up of awesome, cave-themed activities to prepare them for the wonders of the underground. Exploring hidden parts of the caves on a guided 1.5km tour, Cave Kids are geared up with helmets and lights before heading into the wilderness to find fossils, bones, buried treasure and a magic door that opens with special codes.”

Cave Kids also have the unique opportunity to get up close with glowworms, learn about cave formations that are thousands of years old and hear about cave myths, superstitions and ghosts.

“We’ve had such encouraging and positive feedback from the previous Cave Kids holiday programmes – the kids simply love the adventure. All they need to bring on the tour is comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket and a sense of wonder,” Liz says.

This fun, interactive programme is recommended for children aged between five and 12 years with two exciting tours a day - 10.30am and 1.30pm. Due to demand, bookings must be made 24 hours in advance and are available to limited numbers so everyone gets to enjoy their caving experience.

With the Legendary Black Water Rafting Company next door, parents, caregivers and children over 12 years needn’t feel they are missing out either. As the 1.30pm Cave Kids tour running at the same time as the Black Labyrinth tour everyone has the chance to experience the wonders of Waitomo. And once the little adventurers have worked up an appetite there is delicious food available in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre restaurant for the Cave Kids and their families.

Priced at $26 per child, the three hour fully supervised trip is true value for money. While parental supervision is not required, you are welcome to join your child on their adventure for $67 per adult. Or if the whole family wants a piece of the action a $165 family pass for two adults and two children will have you covered.

“Waitomo is only two and a half hours south of Auckland, and is the perfect outdoor adventure and holiday destination for families,” says Liz. “Cave Kids offers an adventurous school holiday programme with a difference, and gives children a chance to learn new skills about the environment around them. It will be the highlight of their holidays and there definitely won’t be a shortage of great stories to share when the school year starts again.”

About thl and Waitomo Glowworm Caves

thl is one of Australasia’s premier tourism companies. thl owns and operates Waitomo Glowworm Caves, The Legendary Blackwater Rafting Co., Ruakuri Cave, Aranui Cave, Maui, Britz, Backpacker, Explore More Campervan and Car Rentals, Kiwi Experience and CI Munro.

Waitomo is only two and a half hours from the tourism gateway of Auckland and home of some of New Zealand’s most unforgettable attractions. Waitomo’s unique underground limestone formations stand as one of New Zealand's most inspiring natural wonders and a must see destination for every visitor to New Zealand.

The ‘Waitomo Glowworm Caves’ is operated by Tourism Holdings Ltd (thl). thl is a public company listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. thl operations include car and motorhome rentals in Australia and New Zealand, a specialist caravan and motorhome manufacturing company in Hamilton, backpacker bus transport operations in New Zealand, along with activities in Waitomo which include The Legendary Blackwater Rafting Co., Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave.

ENDS