Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Duration: Varies (45 min to 7 hours)
Varies (45 min to 7 hours)
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start of your experience
Group: up to 15
Group: up to 15
Expert local tour guide
Expert local tour guide
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Sail through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand on a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing insects, guided by an expert and surrounded by natural beauty. The tour includes a 45-minute journey through this underground wonder, with arrival instructions to check in early and meet your group before exploring the cave’s beautiful sights. Begin your adventure with a walk among towering Kahikatea trees before descending into the glowworm-lit caverns.
Sail through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand on a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing insects, guided by an expert and surrounded by natural beauty. The tour includes a 45-minute journey through this underground wonder, with arrival instructions to check in early and meet your group before exploring the cave’s beautiful sights. Begin your adventure with a walk among towering Kahikatea trees before descending into the glowworm-lit caverns.
Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour featuring a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms.
Walk through stunning limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the towering Cathedral chamber.
Hear captivating stories and legends from expert guides descended from the Māori chief who first explored the caves.
Upgrade to the 1.5-hour Ruakuri accessible cave tour or the full-day Waitomo tour from Auckland with transfers for a longer, richer experience.
45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Gloworm Cave
English-speaking guide of Maori descent
Waitomo River boat ride
1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave
English-speaking guide of Maori descent
3.5-hour guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Exclusive access to a private cave system on a family farm
Expert local guide
Small group of up to 8 people
Safety equipment & warm clothing
Snack & hot drinks
45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Gloworm Cave
Round-trip hotel transfers from Auckland CBD
English-speaking guide/driver
Waitomo River boat ride
Snacks & water
Group enjoying boat tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, with glowing ceiling.
Sail through an underground wonder on a tranquil boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms on a 45-minute tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave, guided by an expert guide and surrounded by the cave’s beauty.
Getting started
Your ticket includes a 45-minute guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Arrive 30-minutes earlier to check in and meet your group before following your guide into the cave.
What to expect
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Towering Kahikatea canopy: Kick off your adventure zipping between 100-year-old native trees, surrounded by sweeping views of Waitomo’s limestone hills.
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Building the thrill: Ease in with shorter, gentler lines before graduating to longer, faster rides, hitting speeds of up to 80 km/h.
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Stories of the land: Learn Māori legends and local history from guides whose knowledge and passion bring the landscape to life.
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Show-stopping finale: Conquer the 280m signature zipline, soaring over the Waitomo Caves with panoramic views you’ll never forget.
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Guided every step: Relax knowing expert guides handle your safety gear, offer tips, and capture the highlights along the way.
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After the ride: Return to base buzzing with adrenaline, ready to share epic photos and stories from your high-flying Waitomo adventure.
Family exploring stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guide holding a flashlight.
Group enjoying boat tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, with glowing ceiling.
Family exploring stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guide holding a flashlight.
Glowworms hanging in Waitomo Caves during a guided tour.
What to bring
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Wear non-slip shoes as the cave floors are wet and slippery.
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Bring a warm jacket as the temperature of the cave can be cool.
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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
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Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
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Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
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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.
Visitors admiring glowworms in Waitomo Glowworm Caves during guided tour.
Visitors admire glowworms and stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Glowworms hanging in Waitomo Caves during a guided tour.
Visitors admiring glowworms in Waitomo Glowworm Caves during guided tour.
Visitors admire glowworms and stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
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Operating hours
Waitomo Caves
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