Oceania (Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific) - Any hotel recommendations near Waitomo caves?

Most of the hotels I'm finding are in Hamilton. Is that too far from Waitomo caves to be convenient?

Thanks.

Hamilton is about an hour drive from Waitomo.

Automobile Association accommodation listing for Waitomo (http://www.aatravel.co.nz/main/searchresults.php?typeId=1&title=&town=Waitomo&locationId=20016&subTypeName=all&price_from=All&price_to=All&checkinDate=16&checkinMonth=11&checkinYear=2006&startdate=)

Just visited Waitomo Caves and there is nothing acceptable in terms of lodging or food (during the evening) there. Would highly recommend staying in Hamilton.