"Spectacular visitor centre" Top 5 Page for this destination Waitomo Caves Things to Do Tip by Kakapo2

This breathtaking construction has really taken me in.

It was built after a massive fire that destroyed the visitor centre in 2005.

The new building is spectacular, using native materials and blending into the lush native forest surroundings, creating an enclosed and open space at the same time.

The rounded transparent roof which is attached to criss-crossed wooden beams makes the visitor centre and light and airy space.

Under this roof you find a gift shop, café/restaurant and, of course, toilet facilities. In a theatre you can watch a 15 minute film about the people, places and stories of Waitomo, and in an exhibition area you find information about the new visitor centre. A conference and events centre completes the complex.

For its outstanding architecture and sustainability the visitor centre was awarded the Architecture, Commercial Engineering Excellence and the Clever Solution Awards at the Timber Design Awards in October 2010.

Address: 39 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo
Website: http://www.waitomo.com/