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
1,035 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth seeing!
Elizabeth W,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I wasn’t sure what to expect because it seemed kind of touristy, but they did a great job of letting people see this natural phenomenon without making you feel like cattle.
Interesting and unique experience
Mike Y,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Well run experience, doesn’t take very long though, and some damp stairs to walk on, in low light levels, so be prepared with appropriate footwear.
Glow worm caves - An experience like non other
Carol L,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Directions on GPS very easy to follow. Staff are friendly. ACE, our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. My sister and I both loved the experience.
could not understand...
FarahKhan,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00could not understand guide was not friendly did not let us take photos and videos wanted us to buy the ones they took against a green screen
Nice and sweet :)
Branislava O,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience. It was nice and sweet. Not too long - just the right amount of fun and historical/science info. The reception staff was awesome; the place has everything (food, drinks, coffee). The only recommendation to future travellers would be to bring a hoodie or a long sleeved shirt.
Excellent! Would do it again!
Ashley D,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked a 2:30pm time slot but arrived at noon and they graciously allowed us to take our tour then so we didn’t have to wait around. Our tour guide, Zeppelin, was excellent. Very funny. My husband and I were awe struck! The caves are incredible. The “cathedral” is breathtaking. My 3 kids loved this experience! The glow worms are super cool. We all thought it was fantastic. Everyone should have the chance to see these caves and glow worms.
Informative trip...
Diana P,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Informative trip Our guide Danny was excellent- well informed ,humorous and professional Loved the stories Amazed by the number of glow worms we could see
Excelkent
Manjit S,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience.if you love nature then this the amazing idea to come and visit this place.the tour guide guy gave very good information about the history of the caves and their natural formation.a must visit for all
Amazing experience,...
Jen V,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience, highly recommend. My Husband I really enjoyed this unique experience. Don’t let the stairs intimidate you they weren’t as bad as the sound. Fat & Lazy 😉
Great view of cave and glow worms
Daryl G,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Good mix of touring through mature cave with stalagmites and stalactites along with seeing the glow worms. Great examples of how the glow worms system works to catch bugs and create the lights.
From NZ$81.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group