From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Experience Waitomo Glowworm Cave on a full-day tour from Auckland. Explore caves, glide beneath thousands of glowworms, and enjoy scenic drives with insights from expert guides.

Getting started

Your adventure begins with morning pickup from your Auckland CBD hotel. Board your vehicle for a scenic 2.5-hour drive through South Auckland into the Waikato region, with a stop for photos and short breaks along the way.

What to expect

• Scenic drive & photo stops: Travel through rolling farmland, rivers, and lush countryside with opportunities for memorable photos.

• Waitomo Homestead stop: Arrive at Waitomo and enjoy around 30 minutes to shop at the gift shop or grab a drink/snack before your cave tour.

• Guided Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour: Step inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave for a 1-hour guided tour. Learn about the cave’s history, limestone formations, and the life cycle of the bioluminescent Arachnocampa Luminosa glowworms.

• Magical boat ride: Glide silently along the underground river in a flat-bottom boat beneath thousands of glowing glowworms illuminating the grotto in blue-green light.

• Return to Auckland: After your cave experience, relax on the scenic drive back to your hotel.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Wear non-slip shoes as the cave floors are wet and slippery.

• Bring a warm jacket as the temperature of the cave can be cool.

• When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

• Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

• Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.

• Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

• This experience is suitable for guests with reasonable mobility, with well-maintained paths and sturdy handrails throughout. However, it is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams/strollers.