Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Create lasting memories on this half-day tour of the Bay of Islands from your cruise ships arrival at the Waitangi Wharf.
The Bay of Islands is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand. This guided tour shows you an abundance of breathtaking picturesque views giving you plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. The area is often referred to as “the birthplace of New Zealand”, due to the past events that took place there. These historical events led to the shaping of New Zealand.
Your tour will include a Bakery/Café stop for you to grab a coffee or something to eat “on the go”. Your Bay Of Islands tour guide will instruct you on where to catch the shuttle buses back to the tenders should you wish to stay in town longer once your tour ends.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
100% refund will be issued if your ship can't make it into port due to weather conditions.
If your ship is scheduled to arrive after 9.30am - the tour departure time will automatically adjust to depart 1 hour after your arrival time - you can email to confirm this after booking.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Paihia Harbour
See the Paihia harbour as we drive through
Haruru Falls
View the waterfalls
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Chocolate-tasting
Air-conditioned vehicle
Port pickup and drop-off
Live commentary on board
Local taxes
Food and Drinks
Options
Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion
Pickup included
Reviews
354 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Glow worms and more- wow!
Debra W,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fine tour, and Rob was a wonderful guide- very knowledgeable and interesting. It was great seeing a variety of what this port has to offer— especially the glowworm caves- which are not to be missed! And we got a six hour tour for half the price of a shorter tour offered by our ship- what a bargain!
Beautiful nature
Randy F,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour of beautiful nature. Forest,waterfalls and caves and countryside were beautiful. The driver guide was a wealth of information and absolutely enjoyable. The Maori owner of the glow worm cave was on of the most adorable people you could ever meet.
If you are looking for an excursion on Bay of Islands this is it
J R,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perhaps it was the relief that the first port of call of our cruise (Bay of Islands - 19 March 2026) had been blest with warm sunshine that made this experience so good but I don't think it was just that. Firstly, when it occurred to me that it might be tight in getting back to the ship my email expressing concern was answered promptly. It wasn't just a one liner saying "We will get you back in time" but a reassuring one with suggestion that we try to get an early tender so that we could leave earlier than the designated time. Instructions on where to meet were clear and we were warmly welcomed by all. Secondly our driver/guide and the tour itself were so good. If I recall correctly our driver was called Mike and he was simply the best. He was everything a guide should be - friendly, funny, knowledgeable and really a joy to be around. As for the tour itself we were able to see everything per the itinerary. Of course the highlight had to be the glowworms. Mike had told us that we would come out smiling. When he saw me when I returned to the bus he said "I told you would be smiling."
Awesome
Michele C,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Informative and the cave with the glow worms was awesome. Would recommend this to anyone who is not afraid of the dark.
Bay of Islands/Glow Worm Caves
caburke4,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Water falls were mediocre at best and forests same. A lot of driving to get to glow worms which was OK. So if you don't mind riding in a bus for extended periods then don't attend this tour. Glow Worms were the best.
Awesome tour and tour...
Sarah P,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome tour and tour guide with great knowledge and if you’re short on time this this is a good way to see the best of Bay of Islands
It was a very nice day...
Susan J,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a very nice day out and very well organized. Plenty of time at stops. Didn't feel rushed at all
Very educational tour!
Geri S,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our tour with Rob was great! Not only did we see really interesting things, we were gifted with so much knowledge and history! The Glow Worm Cave was underwhelming, but the history of the cave and others in the area as told by our Maori guide was very interesting.
Excellent guided tour....
Harry W,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guided tour. Very knowledgeable and informative. Glow worm personel guide you every step of the way.
Great tour
lesliegV6933RI,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lots of interesting and beautiful things to see. Driver shared lots of interesting facts.
From NZ$245.00
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Operated by Bay Of Islands Tours