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Story: King Country places

Waitomo Caves: Waitomo Hotel

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Waitomo Caves: Waitomo Hotel

The Waitomo Hotel is the oldest government tourist hotel still standing in New Zealand. The Victorian wing (at right) was built in 1908, after the government took ownership of the Glow-worm and Ruakurī caves. The art deco wing (left) was built in 1928. In its heyday, the Waitomo Hotel was an exclusive establishment – but it was rather run-down in the early 2000s. The shadows cast by the setting sun are kind to its faded splendour.

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How to cite this page

Kerryn Pollock, King Country places – Te Kūiti, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/34678/waitomo-caves-waitomo-hotel (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 6 December 2011, updated 1 March 2015.