It's amazing what we can find in our own backyard

New Zealand is home to some beautiful attractions and many of us haven't visited these attractions because we think only visitors will appreciate them. I was one of these people - until I visited the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves recently. Pure beauty. I spent a day doing guided cave tours, visiting the Ruakuri Cave, Aranui Cave and the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. Each tour is guided by cave custodians who shared facts, stories and legends about each cave.
The Ruakuri Cave is a two-hour walk - with pushchair access - through an impressive spiral entrance and amazing formations, with the sound of water below your feet.
You can't help but be impressed by the crystal tapestries. When you learn that 1cm of a formation takes about 100 years to form, you'll be amazed by what you see. Don't forget your camera.
The Aranui Cave is about 30 minutes long, and despite being shorter than the first, is equally as impressive. It's filled with narrow walkways, delicate formations and high chambers. Your eyes may even trick you into seeing a face in the formations. There are plenty of photo opportunities here.
Finally, the Waitomo Glowworm Cave is amazing. The tour takes about 45 minutes and features a deep limestone shaft - better known as the Tomo - and the Cathedral Cavern. Here, you'll be encouraged to sing.
You can't take photographs but the beauty of the cave will be captured in your memories. It's the final part of the tour that is the most impressive - a short boat ride with thousands of glow-worms above you.
This ride is a silent one, but it won't be hard to follow the no-talking rule because the sparkling bugs will leave you speechless. It has to be seen to be believed and is one of the most beautiful scenes I have seen in my life. Imagine a clear night sky filled with bright stars and then multiply that by 1000.
Each of the caves has its own special features and shouldn't be missed.
If you haven't visited the caves, make sure you set aside a day to do so. The caves are in Waitomo, about an hour's drive south of Hamilton and three hours from Auckland. The road trip will be worth it.