Waitomo Caves Visitor Assets
Project location
Waitomo
Client
Tourism Holdings Limited
Services provided by Frame Group
Asset Assessments
Frame Group carried out structural condition inspections and asset assessments at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Aranui Caves as part of the Department of Conservation’s 2025 cave-licence triennial review cycle. The work supports ongoing public safety, durability and asset-management requirements at two of New Zealand’s most iconic cave attractions.
The scope included stairs, walkways, platforms, boardwalks, handrails, barriers, jetties and seating within live tourist environments, covering 27 assets in the high-use Glowworm Caves and 13 assets in the Aranui Caves. Assessments were undertaken in challenging humid limestone cave conditions, with the Glowworm Caves presenting additional durability risks due to biological activity and mild acidity.
Frame Group applied a risk-based inspection approach focused on life safety, fitness for purpose and whole-of-life performance. Assets were prioritised for remedial action to support staged investment planning, with strategic advice provided on long-term material upgrades and improved maintenance tracking. The outcome confirmed continued safe use of most assets, supported by practical, targeted remediation aligned with DOC and New Zealand Building Code expectations.
