From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm & Cave Explorer Small Group Tour
Overview
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Discover New Zealand’s wonders with our Spellbound Glowworm Cave and Explorer Tour. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this tour offers a blend of bioluminescence and natural beauty that will captivate you.
Begin your adventure with our expert guide leading you through mesmerizing caves. Learn about fascinating geological formations and history as you marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Step into the enchanting Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the cave with their magical light. Enjoy a serene 20-minute boat ride, gazing up at lights resembling a starry night sky. Gain insights into the glowworms' life cycle and ecological significance from your knowledgeable guide.
This unique tour is ideal for those wanting an up-close experience with the glowworms and photography enthusiasts, as there are no restrictions on photos in the caves.
Experience all this as part of a small, intimate group of only 11 guests.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Auckland Central
Embark on your expedition from the largest city in New Zealand. As we set out, your guide will kick off the day's adventures, laying the groundwork for an enthralling exploration. Proceed with a picturesque drive to the Waitomo region, winding through the scenic New Zealand countryside on the way to the Spellbound Glowworm Caves. Travel journey time from Auckland to Spellbound Caves is approximately- 2 hours, and 30 minutes
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Embark on the unforgettable Spellbound Glowworm Cave & Explorer Tour in Waitomo. This unique adventure offers an up-close encounter with enchanting glowworms and a journey through breathtaking caves, perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Begin your journey with an expert guide through spellbinding caves. Learn about geological formations and the history of these natural wonders. Marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites as you navigate fascinating passages. Enter the captivating Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the cave with bioluminescent light. Glide silently on a small boat, gazing up at sparkling lights resembling a starry night sky. Gain insights into glowworms' life cycle and behavior from your knowledgeable guide. Soak in the peaceful ambiance and capture stunning photographs of the natural landscape. Benefit from a personalized experience with our small group tours, ensuring a more intimate and immersive adventure.
What‘s Included
An english speaking tour guide
Bottled water
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
Fully Guided Small Group Tour
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Admission to a fully guided 180 minutes experience of the Spellbound Glowworm Twin Caves
Breakfast
Dinner
Lunch
Pickup points
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From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm & Cave Explorer Small Group Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
149 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Must See
steinerch,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic and unique experience! The glow worm caves feel magical- I would highly recommend to anyone visiting New Zealand! We got to see two caves with very different vibes and features. We had an excellent day full of adventure and exploration in a very unique location. We even saw eels and a family of goats on the walk! In addition to the caves, we had really nice stops for coffee, lunch and ice cream, and our guide, Mark, was highly knowledgeable about the region! Thank you so much for a brilliant day!
Pick up was on time and...
smohnen2,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Pick up was on time and the driver Jaime drove 2 different ways coming/going to see different countryside. There were 2 different caves and in the glow worm cave the guide (Doug was great) even took individual photos for people who wanted them with the glowing background without an extra cost. Lunch stop was good food. Only 7 passengers including other solo travelers and we all got along great. It was a stellar way to spend a day.
Glowing experience
mirelalowry,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Excellent tour guide. Deane was very kind and mindful of the individuals in the group. Very comfortable ride to and from the caves with appropriate stops.
Spectacular Glowworn Cave Tour! Kudos to Jaime!
Monica R,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Jaime was amazing! He provided excellent customer service! In addition, he was very knowledgeable, kind and accommodating! We all had so much fun!! I recommend you take this tour without any reservation!
Outstanding Experience with Expedigo – Waitomo Glowworm Caves
t liom663,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After 30 days cruising around Australia and New Zealand with Viking, this tour with Expedigo from Auckland to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves was, without a doubt, the best excursion and overall experience of our entire trip — and incredibly, it happened on the very last day of our journey. Our guide Jaime was absolutely exceptional: knowledgeable, engaging, professional, and genuinely passionate about New Zealand. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt comfortable, informed, and well taken care of throughout the day. His colleague was equally fantastic — friendly, attentive, and a perfect complement to the tour. Together, they created a relaxed, fun, and seamless experience.
An Unforgettable Glowworm Experience!
ItzyMee,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We went on the Spellbound Glowworm Cave Explorer Tour and it was absolutely incredible! Our driver Deane L was amazing, considerate, patient, down to earth, and funny. My family members have very limited English and he went above and beyond to make them feel welcome and comfortable. The Spellbound Glowworm experience itself was just insane. I didn’t have many expectations going in, but it completely blew me away! Our tour guide was also really funny, kind and patient throughout the tour. I honestly cannot recommend this experience enough, it’s a must-do. Thank you to the Expedigo team for making it such a memorable and heartwarming experience!
Best company
Relax23030083482,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really good tour — we enjoyed every moment! Our guide was fantastic and made the experience even better. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a well-run, memorable tour with a great company.
Amazing and easy experience
Roving22657133047,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience. My husband said he would feel like he missed out of he didn't see glowworms on our visit to NZ and I booked what seemed like the easiest tour - this over picks you up from a few stops in Auckland so you don't need a car. Guide was personable and knowledgeable and transferred us over to the Spellbound tour operator, who was also great. No special clothes or equipment needed and a small amount of walking, so widely accessible and not too strenuous if you've just arrived.
Great day travelling to Waitimo Caves!
Brent M,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a two part experience, Aaron, our driver from the city of Auckland to Waitomo. Caves area was fabulous. He was a very safe, courteous and conscientious driver. He knew the land that we were driving through and had a lot of stories and information to provide The second part of our Tour was in the cave themselves. Doug was our guide there and he was fabulous. He explained everything in great detail and gave us opportunities to take photos when it was appropriate and we learned a lot. !
Great small group experience
Roving331901,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David was a great guide! Enjoyed the day and the caves were fantastic!!! This is the tour you want - small groups and wonderful tour of the caves!
From NZ$310.00
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Operated by Expedigo Tours and Travels Auckland