Photographer captures stunning Waitomo magic

  • 25/05/2016
(Shaun Jeffers/Instagram)
(Shaun Jeffers/Instagram)

The Waitomo area is famous for its limestone caves. Disappearing deep under the earth, they form a labyrinth of dark tunnels and inky black water. And within these tunnels live the glowworms.

Photographer captures stunning Waitomo magic

Glowworms are a species of fungus gnat endemic to New Zealand. They hang down up to 70 threads of silk, and then they produce a luminescent glow to attract prey into their threads. When enough glowworms cover the roof of a cave, they look like the stars on a cold clear night.

Photographer captures stunning Waitomo magic

Photographer Shaun Jeffers has spent the past year photographing these tiny amazing animals. To achieve the shots, he would spend six to eight hours a day submerged in freezing cold water -- but the results were worth it!

Photographer captures stunning Waitomo magic
Photographer captures stunning Waitomo magic
Photographer captures stunning Waitomo magic

To see more, check out the Waitomo website

Shaun Jeffers' Website

Shaun Jeffers' Instagram: Instagram

Photographer captures stunning Waitomo magic

Newshub.