Waitomo Caves Visitor Centre

Project Overview

The roof’s flowing timber structure was inspired by the traditional Māori eel trap, or hinaki. Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific worked closely with architects and structural engineers to develop the canopy’s form, aligning it with the natural curve of the Waitomo stream.

New Zealand

Country

1846

m²

of ETFE

2010

Completed

Architecture Workshop

Architects

At A Glance – ETFE at Waitomo Visitor Centre

1,846 m² timber gridshell canopy, inspired by Māori hinaki eel traps
Covered with clear ETFE cushions for daylight and weather protection
Rebuilt after 2005 fire, restoring a key tourist hub for the community
Form aligned with the curve of the Waitomo stream
Integrates rainwater collection and sustainable drainage
Welcomes up to 500,000 annual visitors to one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations

ETFE canopy in New Zealand at the Hamilton Waitomo Caves

1,846 m²

of ETFE

The Story of the Project

ETFE Canopy in Harmony with Nature

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, on New Zealand’s North Island, are one of the country’s most remarkable natural attractions. Visitors travel by boat into limestone caves shaped over thousands of years, guided by the light of thousands of glow-worms (Arachnocampa luminosa). For more than 125 years, this destination has drawn hundreds of thousands of people annually, now reaching up to 500,000 visitors per year.

In 2005, the original visitor centre was destroyed by fire, a major economic setback for the local community. To restore this important gateway, a new visitor centre opened in 2010, featuring a timber gridshell canopy clad in ETFE cushions. The new structure combines architectural innovation with cultural sensitivity, creating a space that welcomes visitors while respecting the surrounding landscape.

Form Inspired by Local Traditions

The roof’s flowing timber structure was inspired by the traditional Māori eel trap, or hinaki.

The roof’s flowing timber structure was inspired by the traditional Māori eel trap, or hinaki. Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific worked closely with architects and structural engineers to develop the canopy’s form, aligning it with the natural curve of the Waitomo stream. Above the gridshell, clear ETFE cushions provide protection from the weather while allowing daylight to filter in, keeping the visitor pathways bright and connected to the outdoors.

Visual Journey

An inviting atmosphere underneath the ETFE canopy.

Transparent ETFE cushions in a timber frame.

Precision is key. We love to combine timber with ETFE.

Click on the pictures to see the full size

Sustainable and Practical Design

Beyond its striking form, the canopy integrates practical and sustainable features. Rainwater collected from the ETFE cushions is used to supply the building, while overflow is directed into landscaped swales to support local drainage. ETFE’s lightweight, durable, and low-maintenance properties ensure the canopy will perform reliably in New Zealand’s changing climate.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Center was awarded the prestigious Architecture, Commercial Engineering Excellence and the Clever Solution Awards at the Timber Design Awards in October 2010.