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‘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
What To Expect
Paihia Harbour
See the Paihia harbour as we drive through
Haruru Falls
View the waterfalls
Options
Bay of Islands Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Shore Excursion
Pickup included
Reviews
292 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Interesting
SDTraveler033,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was interesting but not what I expected. When we were in NZ the last time I wanted to go to the caves but didn’t get there. Some of my friends went and said it was great. I think they went to different caves because they rode in a boat and we just walked. The cave we went in was very small.
Glow Lityle Glow Worm.
Barbara R,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Traveling through New Zealand was amazing. The scenery is beautiful but best of all was seeing the Glow Worm Cave. Without lights you could see little points of light all over the cave ceiling. It was quite an experience.
Very memorable tour which I would highly recommend without a doubt
OnAir57293562209,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did this tour and it was just perfect! Our driver was so friendly and knowledgeable! We seen so many things and places on the way to the Glow worm cave! But the Glow worm cave was the highlight of this tour! Simply amazing
Excellent Tour
A4768ZGgregs,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was easy to find at the tender dock. We saw the sites efficiently and had plenty of time to get back to the dock. I would recommend this tour which was much cheaper and just as easy to book as the cruise line's identical tour.
Very good tour. Dyson is...
Chet W,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Very good tour. Dyson is knowledgeable and experienced. Glow worms and old growth forest were very unique. Falls were nice but not spectacular. Only issue we had is it took almost the entire time we had off the cruise ship. Considering we had to tender in and out, almost no time to explore the town.
It was ok
Kandy B,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Glow worm cave was cool. The other stops, like the waterfall, was 5 minutes for a picture, then back in the van. I thought we were doing chocolate sampling but it is just a chocolate store where you can buy stuff. The guide at the glow worm cave was very knowledgeable.
Bay of Islands Ship Excursion
elizabethbO6169RG,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day on our Bay of Islands excursion. We had a good driver/guide who was knowledgeable about all our stops. We got back to the port in plenty of time to get back to the ship.
Good Tour
449sherriew,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was a nice day. Dyson, our tour guide was good and entertaining. One thing that was an issue was that they advertised to go to the falls but never went
The driver was...
young p,
Apr 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The driver was knowledgeable and friendly. The cave was very interesting also scenery was beautiful. It was fun tour and my family enjoyed a lot.
Bay of Islands Excursion
Mark W,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This excursion was a full day of education, local and NZ history. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided us with backstories and significant facts related to the various sites, locations, and points of interest. He provided us with an experience worth the time. There are many choices related to "off the ship" excursions you can take, but if you are coming off a cruise ship and only have a day to explore, this excursion is well worth your time.
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Operated by Bay Of Islands Tours