Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms above on this 45-minute group guided tour, as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Many of the current guides are descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave and can share with you the remarkable history of the area. Guided since the late 1880s, this is the original, iconic New Zealand attraction.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Bring comfortable waking shoes and a warm jacket
You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs .
Due to high demand and limited capacity, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability
No photography allowed
Not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Discover your moment of magic in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as the expert guides provide informative commentary on their historical and geological significance to the region. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveler. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 125 years of cultural and natural history. Walk through the majestic Cathedral Cave famous for its spectacular formations and acoustics. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
What‘s Included
Local guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour: Be amazed by thousands of magical glowworms above, as you glide silently by boat in the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Reviews
1,129 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Waitomo must do
Anastasia G,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing and humbling experience. Highly recommend. Suitable for school children and over. Danny was our guide who made it a fun and informative experience.
Life is a little bit brighter
Vanessa M,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A short tour 45mins but stunning view of the the Glow Worms and great commentary from our Guide. ACE
Beautiful glow worm caves.
samantha m,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Danny was very informative and amusing. The caves were beautiful. I’d recommend to anyone who comes over to the north island.
Primordial Nature View
delhou,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's a well thought out experience with excellent guides who are source of wonderful information about how the caves are formed and what the glow worms are. The boat ride is amazing as it's eerily quiet with just the light from the glow worms - like another time and place. The only drawback is the location which is out in the countryside but if you can drive it makes it easier to get there. We did our driving tour from Rotorua (leaving around 9:30 AM) to Waitomo Glowworm Caves and then to Hamilton Gardens (in Hamilton) and then to Auckland arriving early evening.
An Underground Galaxy - Quiet, Mesmerising, and Truly Unforgettable
SHEKHAR G,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience at Waitomo Glowworm Caves is nothing short of magical - a true natural wonder that feels almost otherworldly. The guided tour is well-paced and informative, beginning with a walk through impressive limestone formations, where stalactites and stalagmites have formed over thousands of years. The guides share engaging stories and insights, adding depth and context without overwhelming the experience. The highlight, without question, is the silent boat ride through the glowworm grotto. As you drift quietly through the darkness, thousands of tiny bioluminescent lights above create the illusion of a star-filled night sky underground. The stillness and silence make the moment incredibly serene and almost surreal. What stands out most is how well-managed and respectful the experience is - preserving the delicate ecosystem while allowing visitors to fully appreciate its beauty. The no-photography rule in the grotto helps maintain that sense of presence and authenticity. Overall, it’s a beautifully curated experience that blends natural beauty, storytelling, and tranquillity. A must-do when visiting New Zealand, and one that leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve left the caves.
Great experience but pay directly with Waitomo
Mel W,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour itself was great, very well operated and friendly guides. Expensive but a natural spectacle. We were however very disappointed to see that it is considerably cheaper to book directly with Waitomo Caves, will know for next time not to pay for third party to clip the ticket
Cave great, glowworm soso
Jackie C,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The caves were awesome to see and the commentary was informative and fun. The glow worm cave boat tour was a little disappointing on our view. Not as bright or voluminous as I was expecting.
Family Road Trip
olivia t,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00we came as a,family, with no expectations, it was amazing, incredible knowlegde and beautiful enviroment, so peaceful and respectful on the enviroment
The tour was absolutely fantastic except for a screaming child
Ashini W,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience, the tour guide was so lovely and the presentation was excellent. Unfortunately there was a screaming baby in our group so we missed about 50% what the tour guide was saying. It would have been great if you put some age restrictions as it wasn't a plesent experience for the rest of the group.
Great experience great time
Wayne C,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great time and experience great tour guide lots of knowledge and put the people at ease and tired to get every one involved
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group