'Old-world luxury' at Waitomo

Waitomo Caves Hotel Ltd is, says its manager Keith McMillan, a perfect venue for motivational meetings of up to 80 people.

Near the King Country towns of Otorohanga and Te Kuiti, the hotel's architecture is typically New Zealand Victorian, but based on an eastern European mountain chalet.

Since it was completed in 1908 - it was originally called Government Hostel at Waitomo - it has had a number of different owners and at one stage it was part of the former Tourist Hotel Corporation. It is now being managed by a new operator.

It has 25 "old-world luxury" rooms, each with a bathroom, ranging in cost from $98 for a single to $200 for the most expensive room, the Aranui Suite. It also has economy, backpackers and Youth Hostel Association accommodation.

There are two restaurants.

The area is a mix of rural tranquillity and sporting, sightseeing and adventure opportunities. Guests can visit the Glowworm or Aranui Caves, play golf, go blackwater rafting, fish, bushwalk or go horse trekking, for example.