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
988 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Christmas morning outing.
sueoO5648VF,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Well organized trip with engaging guide who sang a Maori song to us in the cave. Glow worm were nice yo see. The rock art gallery less impressive.
Cohen was an excellent...
Chuck G,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Cohen was an excellent tour guide! Very knowledgeable, kind, and professional. I recommend this activity, but it’s a bit out of the way so maybe do multiple activities in the various caves to make a drive down from Auckland more worthwhile.
Surreal! Out of the...
rao a,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Surreal! Out of the world! Very well maintained and great guides! We were late by 10 min and fortunately they were able to accommodate us, experience of a lifetime!
Overpriced, overhyped, and poorly handled
51fayew,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00This experience is extremely short — the glow worm viewing lasts less than 5 minutes, and the entire tour is under 20 minutes. Photography is not allowed at any point. During the boat ride, one person attempted to take a photo. The guide responded in a passive-aggressive manner, stating that because of this individual, the ride would be ended early and that we should all blame that person for the experience being cut short. Most of the group followed the rules and still lost part of the experience we paid for. For the price (NZ$540 for 6 adults and 2 kids), this is 100% not worth it. The experience felt rushed, unwelcoming, and badly handled. This was the worst attraction experience I had in New Zealand, and I would not recommend it. Additionally, the experience was made more uncomfortable by a racially insensitive remark. Our group was made up largely of Chinese tourists, and a comment was made along the lines of us “all looking the same.” Regardless of intent, this was inappropriate and deeply disappointing to hear at a major tourist attraction.
Great experience
Anonymous,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an excellent and knowledgeable guide. Also the Filipino picture taking lady was very energetic and friendly. She made us excited for the tour.
Stalactite tour 40min WITHOUT fireflies and 5 min fireflies! Complete rip-off
Planet-Erde-Forscher,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Totally wrong that the actual attraction only goes 5 minutes. Before that you talk about safety for 5 minutes, then you go into a dripstone cave WITHOUT seeing fireflies. He explains the stalacmites, which are made of lime and that some look like a kiwi, and shines with the flashlight. Then you keep walking. Then you see a large stone and nan should guess when it fell from the ceiling. Then you walk sideways and then another song is sung because of the acoustics. It's not about the fireflies at all!! They just stuff this time because otherwise the boat tour would be too short. By the way, it's not a tour by boat either. You stay in place and the boat is just turned. That's it. Your money is gone and you're annoyed because you paid for something completely different than you wanted to see!
Worth the long trip. Like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Andrew D,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing! Glow worms were cool and so were the caves. Unfortunately the serenity was spoiled by parents that can’t control their kids.
No frills
Samantha J,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Pleasant experience. But not many frills. Travelling with a 4yr old we stuck to the basic trip. It was ok. Felt a little rushed a day busy once in the cabr as lots of groups happening at once and needing to pass different groups. Felt this would have been better if you didn't bump into/ walnut past groups just a few mingab between would have been better. As we paid for a ticket for our child thought she would have been counted as 1. But instead was told she had to sit on lap on the boat ride make it all a bit of a squeeze
Would love to return someday. A gem!
susan m,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We absolutely loved the B&B! The location was perfect; quiet and homey. Almost felt like we were visiting with family as we were treated so warmly. The room and bath were in a separate wing from the main house. The bed was very comfy and the amenities were spot on; breakfast was continental and stored in the in-room kitchenette for easy access. Beautiful grounds complete with a pool and some four-legged residents. Wish we had more time there!
Explanations on the...
Nausicaa A,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Explanations on the creation of stalactites and stalagmites during 30 minutes... then 6 minutes of boating. It is beautiful to see but the visit itself is not worth the price or time dedicated to it with useless information that most people know.
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group