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‘s Included
Local guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
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.
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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
980 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Saw exactly what we wanted in an hour-long tour
david k,
Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well worth the time and money to see millions of glow worms. Tour took about an hour and I'm not sure what else the more expensive and longer tours would offer. We saw what we wanted to see and moved on with the rest of our trip.
Very Interesting
Motorcylcler,
Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was very interesting and informative. Steve was a great guide. My wife and I, our son, daughter in law and our 2 grandchildren aged 8 and 5 really enjoyed the tour.
Disappointing experience 😕
Global27636187749,
Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The cave itself was okay but it was way too expensive for what you get in the end. The gloworms look much more in intensity and number in advertisements than they do in real, underwhelming. So all in all it was the first disappointing experience in the last weeks here in New Zealand. I honestly expected more and wouldn't recommend it!
Fascinating Experience, Very Engaged Staff and Tour Guide
C114HXjamesa,
Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would have perfect if I could have shot video, but I certainly understand why I (or anyone else) was allowed to do so. The customer service aspect of the trip was outstanding! Very Friendly, Very Helpful, and Very Engaged in their jobs.
It was ok
luka2190,
Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00A long drive from Rotorua for a very short boat ride…i found it underwhelming and overpriced, the stairs going into the cave was a little steep for my partner
We had a good tour....
Kathryn K,
Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a good tour. Fairly short timing, but good for a hot day! Unique opportunity that you probably shouldnt miss!
Unforgettable underground experience
simonepererap,
Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A magical boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms that feel like a starry night underground. The caves are beautiful, the guides are knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is serene. The tour is short, but the glowworm moment is absolutely worth it — a must-do in the Waikato.
Must Do!!!!
Jennifer H,
Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time visiting the glowworm caves. Super knowledgeable tour guide and loved the information shared during the Cave tour as well as on the boat. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area. Also it is a beautiful drive to get there.
Lovely experience 🙌🏾
Joana T,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour to do with family. Enjoyed learning all about the cave formations and life cycle of the glow worms. Corey is an awesome tour guide Corey 🤩, would highly recommend 🙌🏾☺️
Less than 10 minutes boat ride. Save your money!
ctspam123,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The majority of the tour is spent on the history of the cave. The guide even asked us to sing a Christmas carol in the cave to further delay the boat experience. The time in the boat is less than 10 minutes. The guide pulls the boat forward and backwards along a string to make it appear you’re moving but you’re actually looking at the same spot. Yes you do see glow worms. Pictures are not allowed until the very end when the boat is partially out of the cave. Of course you can purchase the photo they took in front of a green screen before the tour. Save your money. There are plenty of places you can see glow worms for free for the same effect. This was both time and money wasted.
From NZ$81.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group